Surgical Ergonomics Education for Preventing Work Injuries

(SEE MIGS Trial)

No longer recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Kari Plewniak, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Montefiore Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Non-OB/GYN residents, Fellows, Medical students

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if teaching obstetrics and gynecology doctors about safe body movements at work, through Ergonomics Education, can prevent injuries. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive feedback and practice on their movements, while the other will not receive feedback during the study. Researchers aim to assess whether feedback helps doctors learn and remember safe movement techniques. This study is open to obstetrics and gynecology residents in their first to fourth years of training. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to enhancing workplace safety in medical settings.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems unlikely that you would need to stop, as the study focuses on teaching ergonomic body positions.

What prior data suggests that this ergonomic training is safe for obstetrics and gynecology doctors?

In a previous study, 85% of participants in an ergonomics program, which included short breaks and stretching, reported less discomfort. Additionally, 93% believed the training would help reduce work-related injuries. These findings suggest that learning about ergonomics is well-received and can effectively teach healthcare workers how to move safely at work.

No negative effects have been linked to this type of educational program. Since the study focuses on teaching and practicing safe body movements, it is considered safe for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how ergonomics education might prevent work injuries among surgeons. Unlike standard practices that might focus solely on treating injuries after they occur, this approach emphasizes prevention by teaching surgeons how to position themselves correctly during procedures. By providing directed feedback and guided practice, this method aims to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems that frequently affect surgeons. If successful, it could lead to widespread adoption of ergonomic training, ultimately enhancing surgeons' long-term health and career longevity.

What evidence suggests that this ergonomics education is effective for preventing work injuries?

This trial will compare the effects of surgical ergonomics education on preventing work injuries. Research has shown that teaching ergonomics can help healthcare workers move in ways that prevent injuries. In one study, providing ergonomics lessons improved how nursing students handled patients. Studies have found that many surgeons suffer from muscle and joint problems, with reports ranging from 47% to 87%. Proper ergonomic training can reduce pain and enhance surgical performance. By focusing on correct body movements, surgical ergonomics can help keep surgeons healthier and more effective in their work. Participants in the intervention group of this trial will receive directed feedback and guided practice on ergonomic positioning, while the control group will not receive this feedback during the study. ^{3 4 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Kari Plewniak, MD

Principal Investigator

Montefiore Medical Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for obstetrics and gynecology doctors in training. It's designed to see if a class on ergonomic body positions, combined with hands-on practice, can help them learn to move in ways that prevent work-related injuries.

Inclusion Criteria

Residents in Montefiore's OB/GYN residency program in post-graduate years 1 through 4 (PGY-1 - PGY-4)

Exclusion Criteria

Non-OB/GYN residents

Fellows in OB/GYN subspecialties

Medical students

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention Session 1

Participants attend a class on surgical ergonomics and perform laparoscopic surgical skills exercises on a simulation trainer while being assessed using the TuMeke AI app.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention Session 2

Participants perform laparoscopic surgical skills exercises again, with the control group receiving feedback and guided practice.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for retention of ergonomic skills and knowledge through video assessments and surveys.

8 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Ergonomics Education

Trial Overview

The study tests whether ergonomics education and guided practice improve how these doctors position their bodies during surgery. One group gets both the class and feedback-driven practice; another only attends the class. Their skills are videotaped and compared over time.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention group Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

This group will receive directed feedback and guided practice regarding their ergonomic positioning while performing basic surgical skills exercises on a trainer

Group II: Control Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This group will not receive directed feedback or guided practice regarding their ergonomic positioning while performing basic surgical skills exercises on a trainer during the study. After the study is completed they will receive this feedback, but it will not be included as a part of the study data.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Montefiore Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

468

Recruited

599,000+

TuMeke Ergonomics

Collaborator

Published Research Related to This Trial

Ergonomics plays a crucial role in improving surgical practices by optimizing the workplace, equipment, and procedures, which can lead to safer and more efficient surgeries.

The review highlights that understanding ergonomic principles can help address the complexities of modern surgical procedures, ultimately aiming to reduce healthcare costs and enhance surgeon performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The application of ergonomics in the work environment of general surgeons. Berguer, R.[2019]

Only 1.5% of surgical training programs in the U.S. offer formal surgical ergonomics education (SEE), while 25.4% provide informal education, highlighting a significant gap in training for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders among surgeons.

Despite the low provision of SEE, 100% of trainees found formal ergonomics education valuable, indicating a strong interest and perceived need for structured training to improve surgical practices and reduce injury risks.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Current State of Surgical Ergonomics Education in U.S. Surgical Training: A Survey Study. Epstein, S., Tran, BN., Capone, AC., et al.[2020]

Introducing ergonomics and biomechanics education into nursing training significantly improved student nurses' patient-handling techniques.

The study highlights the urgent need for ergonomic interventions in nursing to enhance workplace safety and efficiency, suggesting that education can empower nurses to modify their working environments effectively.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ergonomics and training. Troup, JD., Rauhala, HH.[2019]

A review of surgical ergonomics highlighted the need for better education and awareness among surgeons to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders, which are common in the profession.

Pictorial ergonomic recommendations were developed for open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted surgeries, providing practical guidelines that can help improve surgical practices and reduce ergonomic risks in the operating room.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Optimizing ergonomics during open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted surgery: A review of surgical ergonomics literature and development of educational illustrations. Tetteh, E., Wang, T., Kim, JY., et al.[2023]

Nursing students who received an educational package on ergonomic and behavioral training reported higher satisfaction with their education compared to those who did not receive the training.

Students in the experimental group demonstrated better awareness and ability to analyze their work environment, leading to improved physical positioning and reduced strain during practical tasks.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ergonomic education for nursing students. Hellsing, AL., Linton, SJ., Andershed, B., et al.[2019]

The review analyzed 16 studies that applied the SEIPS family of work system models to improve patient work, primarily focusing on adult patients with chronic illnesses and their caregivers in both home and clinical settings.

The findings highlight the effectiveness of these models in generating valuable insights and products that enhance patient and family contributions to health-related work, demonstrating their practical benefits in healthcare settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Human factors/ergonomics work system analysis of patient work: state of the science and future directions. Werner, NE., Ponnala, S., Doutcheva, N., et al.[2021]

A survey of 42 surgical residents revealed that 91% experienced musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms related to their training, highlighting a significant issue in surgical ergonomics education.

After attending two lectures on surgical ergonomics, all 17 residents who completed the follow-up survey reported increased awareness of their habits and a better understanding of injury prevention, suggesting that incorporating such education into residency could help reduce future injuries.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Incorporating Surgical Ergonomics Education into Surgical Residency Curriculum. Jensen, MJ., Liao, J., Van Gorp, B., et al.[2021]

Laparoscopic surgery, while beneficial for patients, poses risks for surgeons due to restricted movement and awkward postures that can lead to increased muscle fatigue.

Implementing ergonomic training programs in surgical practices can enhance the well-being of surgeons and potentially improve patient outcomes, as suggested by the review of literature and the introduction of ergonomic guidelines in training activities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Ergonomics in laparoscopic surgery and its importance in surgical training]. Pérez-Duarte, FJ., Sánchez-Margallo, FM., Díaz-Güemes Martín-Portugués, I., et al.[2017]

Citations

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withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-work-related-injury-6-2024-00f73

Surgical Ergonomics Education for Preventing Work Injuries

Introducing ergonomics and biomechanics education into nursing training significantly improved student nurses' patient-handling techniques. The study highlights ...

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pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11337608/

Ergonomics in the operating room and surgical training

Surgical-related injuries are frequent, in fact the reported percentage of musculoskeletal disorders in surgeons is between 47% and 87%.

3.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043148925000065

Ergonomics and body wellness during surgery: A review ...

This review examines the impact of surgical ergonomics on surgeon well-being, outlining key risk factors, prevalence data, and preventive strategies.

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researchgate.net

researchgate.net/publication/322815765_The_Current_State_of_Surgical_Ergonomics_Education_in_US_Surgical_Training_A_Survey_Study

The Current State of Surgical Ergonomics Education in ...

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the current state of surgical ergonomics education in the United States.

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pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12413403/

Ergonomic stress and surgical performance of general surgeons

The study highlights surgical ergonomics' role in reducing pain and improving outcomes. Prioritizing appropriate ergonomic training ...

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sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1931720425000923

A Narrative Review and Fitness Program to Reduce ...

In a program combining ergonomics, microbreaks, and stretching, 85% of residents experienced reduced discomfort, and 93% felt this training would help them “ ...

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research.aota.org

research.aota.org/ajot/article/78/5/7805205090/25934/Preventing-Surgeon-Work-Related-Musculoskeletal

Preventing Surgeon Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ...

Using the posture photographs, the occupational therapist performed a visual analysis of the photos of each surgeon using the Anatomy Trains ...