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Prevalence, risks, underlying mechanisms, preventative guidelines, and interventions of sonographer work‐related injuries: A literature review
Author(s) -
Tinetti Celia J.,
Thoirs Kerry
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
sonography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2054-6750
pISSN - 2202-8323
DOI - 10.1002/sono.12187
Subject(s) - sonographer , psychological intervention , medicine , guideline , productivity , medical education , nursing , surgery , ultrasonography , pathology , economics , macroeconomics
Abstract Work‐related injuries (WRIs) in sonographers are concerning for sonographers and their employers. This review synthesised published guidelines, recommendations, and research relating to the prevalence, risks, underlying mechanisms, and preventative interventions of sonographer WRIs to improve understanding of the existing evidence and knowledge gaps in this area. Seventy articles published between 1985 and 2018 were identified and reviewed. Sonographer WRIs are very prevalent.Monitoring of prevalence should continue, preferably using a standardised, validated, and reproducible survey instrument. Risk factors for sonographer WRIs predominantly include not only ergonomic and postural factors, but also workflow, health status, mental stress, sonographer age, and patient characteristics. More case‐control and cohort studies are needed to provide more accurate data for determining risk factors. More studies evaluating preventative interventions using rigorous research methods which include consultation with work, health, and safety experts, and stakeholders such as sonographers, sonographer employers/managers, equipment manufacturers, and patients are required. There is a lack of studies investigating long term, economic, and productivity outcomes of preventative interventions. The building and expansion of a cohesive and useful body of knowledge of sonographer WRIs will inform future guideline development and revision, and motivate sonographers and their managers to implement and support valid preventative interventions.