Ergonomics and Occupational Health Issues in Diagnostic Imaging: A Survey of the Situation at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

Abstract

The practice of Radiology requires the performance of many labour-intensive tasks relating to the delivery of quality patient care. Poor working conditions could lead to increased adverse effects on the professional which, in turn may have deleterious effects on the work performance; hence the need to ensure effective working conditions. The study sought to assess the ergonomic situation of the various imaging units at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). The subjects were final year student radiographers, qualified diagnostic Radiographers, and Radiologists at the KBTH. A quantitative research design, using a descriptive survey, was conducted as the researcher sough to obtain information about what existed with respect to the conditions within the imaging departments. A response rate of 95% was achieved.  The majority of the respondents (87.3%) lacked training on workplace ergonomics.  Additionally, there were ergonomic injuries that existed among the participants and these affected their health. The ergonomic situations at most imaging units within KBTH were not up to standard and these affect the productivity and health of the professional in the form of musculoskeletal disorders, thus requiring attention.

Key words: Ergonomics, Radiographers, Radiologists, Sonographers, Musculoskeletal injuries