Survey of UK sonographers on the prevention of work related muscular‐skeletal disorder (WRMSD)

Background To establish whether the current training of student sonographers in both academic and clinical settings is sufficient for educating about the dangers of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Methods A dual method of data collection was undertaken. Initially, a focus group was set up, involving a small group of practicing sonographers from a hospital in the United Kingdom, with the results of that survey being used to design a postal survey questionnaire. The questionnaire focused on ergonomics, scanning technique, training in physical techniques, personal general health, risk, stress, and task management. It was sent to seven participating universities across the United Kingdom. Approvals were obtained from the local ethics committees, the hospital Trust, and the academic institution. Results The focus group highlighted several areas in which improvements could be made in educating sonographers on the reduction of WRMSDs. The questionnaire results indicated that students are being taught about certain aspects of WRMSD prevention by both their university and clinical mentors. Respondents received training on the prevention of WRMSDs: 97% in the university setting and 81% from clinical mentors. Conclusions Improvements need to be made in terms of educating students to perform muscle‐strengthening exercises during the workday; to have a system of reporting injury; to consider personal health, well‐being, and stress management in the workplace; and to evaluate the ergonomics of computer workstations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43 :145–152, 2015;