RESUMO
Purpose: To explore how ophthalmologist productivity, wellness, and musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms are affected by heads-up display (HUD) use. Methods: A digital survey was emailed to the United States ophthalmologists. Questions covered topics including MSK health, surgical output, work hours, wellness hours, and factors related to HUD use. Results: One hundred and forty-four ophthalmologists responded, and 99 completed all eligible questions. HUDs were utilized by 33 respondents, 29 of whom submitted complete surveys. HUD users worked 353 more hours annually (P = 0.01) and performed 673 more cases (P = 0.07) than nonusers. MSK symptom presence (P = 0.79), severity (P = 0.80), and frequency (P = 0.86) were independent of use. Over half (n = 16/29) of users identified symptomatic improvement attributable to the device, mostly in the cervical and lumbar regions. Mean job stress was moderate-severe for both users and nonusers (P = 0.10), and there was no significant difference in wellness hours (P = 0.44). Retina specialists (P = 0.02) and males (P = 0.03) were more likely to have operated with the technology. Nearly half of heads-up surgeons (n = 12/29) had obtained new equipment to target MSK symptoms, versus 1.4% of nonusers (n = 1/70; P = 0.0009). Most of those who operated with HUDs would recommend them to others (69.0%, n = 20/29), but 44.8% (n = 13/29) indicated ergonomic challenges. Primary concerns included awkward viewing angles, setup difficulties, and a lack of access. Conclusions: HUD surgeons reported greater work output versus nonusers without significant compromises in wellness or MSK health. User feedback suggests that the technology may lessen neck and low back pains, but barriers including cost and system inconveniences may impede adoption.
RESUMO
PURPOSE: To quantify features of musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints among US ophthalmologists and analyze factors related to symptom severity. METHODS: Cornea, glaucoma, retina, and comprehensive practitioners were invited to complete a web-based survey via email. Data on demographics, practice and procedural volumes, wellness activities, job stress, MSK health, the Total Disability Index (TDI), and ergonomics were collected. Significance testing was performed to evaluate factors related to TDI score. RESULTS: Of the 245 ophthalmologists contacted, 58.8% (n = 144) responded at least in part to the survey. Pain episodes were reported in 81.4% (n = 83) of 102 respondents, with 48.1% (n = 49) experiencing daily or weekly attacks. The neck, low back, and shoulders were commonly affected, yet only 57.1% (n=20) of those with shoulder pain reported a corresponding diagnosis. The mean TDI score was 6.2 ± 7.3%, indicating minimal disability related to the spine. Demographics, volume metrics, and wellness hours were each not significantly associated with TDI score (p > 0.05). Higher job stress ratings were reported by those who experienced more frequent pain attacks (p = 0.02) and those with higher TDI scores (p = 0.001). Greater difficulty with clinic, laser, and surgery job tasks was observed in respondents with higher TDI scores (p < 0.001, p = 0.005, and p < 0.001) and more bodily pain locations (p = 0.002, p = 0.002, and p = 0.001). Respondents who pursued practice modifications (p = 0.03) and treatments (p = 0.01) to reduce or prevent pain had higher mean TDI scores, and 94.2% of respondents (n = 97) were interested in learning more about ergonomics. CONCLUSION: Mild MSK complaints were highly prevalent among the surveyed ophthalmologists, and a similar trend could be expected for other US ophthalmologists. Greater frequency and severity of pain may contribute to physician burnout. There may be underdiagnosis of MSK pathology yet also high demand for ergonomic strategies and MSK treatments, suggesting a need for practical solutions.
