A Systematic Review on Musculoskeletal Injuries Among Endoscopists: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Implementation

Abstract

Endoscopy is a widely used diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in the field of gastroenterology and other medical specialities. While endoscopists play a crucial role in patient care, they are prone to developing musculoskeletal injuries due to the physically demanding nature of the profession. This systematic review aims to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among endoscopists, identify potential risk factors contributing to these injuries, and propose implementation strategies to mitigate the associated health hazards. A systematic literature search was conducted in major medical databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies published from 2014-2023 were included in the review. The search strategy included a combination of relevant keywords, such as "endoscopists," "musculoskeletal injuries," "prevalence," "risk factors," and "implementation." Articles were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the relevance and quality of the studies included. The pooled data from these studies revealed a concerning prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among endoscopists, with an average incidence rate of 40-90%. The most affected regions were the back, neck, shoulders, and wrists. Moreover, a higher incidence of injuries was observed among endoscopists with longer years of practice and those performing a higher number of procedures per week. Several risk factors were identified as potential contributors to the development of musculoskeletal injuries in endoscopists. Prolonged procedural duration, poor posture, lack of ergonomic equipment, and inadequate training in ergonomics were found to significantly increase the likelihood of sustaining injuries. To reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among endoscopists, implementation strategies at multiple levels were proposed. Firstly, healthcare institutions should prioritize the provision of ergonomic equipment, such as adjustable procedure tables and video monitors, to improve the working environment for endoscopists. Secondly, the integration of ergonomics training into medical curricula and continuous medical education programs can enhance awareness and promote proper posture and body mechanics during procedures. Thirdly, promoting a culture of reporting and addressing injuries, as well as providing access to healthcare resources and physical therapy, can aid in early detection and intervention. The results emphasize the significance of implementing ergonomic interventions and providing organizational support to protect the musculoskeletal health of endoscopists and improve patient care within the realm of endoscopy.