Health and safety
a patient onto the table, showing that there are areas of practice where you cannot avoid manual handling of patients.
l When using the Proturn or Allen/Jackson Table, over 80% said there had been no patient safety incidents.
l The most common Proning Technique is Flip and Catch (73.82%).
l Only 50.31% have a local risk assessment.
Recommendations By improving the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals, we can enhance patient safety and improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgical procedures. l There is a need for certified specialist theatre moving and handling trainers.
l There is a need for specialist competencies in manual handling teaching on aids/ techniques and equipment in the operating
60.00% 50.00% 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00%
Yes No
Fig 7. When using Proturn or Allen/Jackson Table are there any stages of the procedure when staff have to manually turn the patient, or manually move them onto the table without using a slide sheet?
theatre environment.
l Where manual handling cannot be avoided, specialist-certified manual handling trainers should individually assess practitioners.
l The whole team should have manual handling training across specialties, including consultant surgeons and anaesthetists.
l Local risk assessments must be undertaken New study shows impact of poor posture in operating theatres
Surgeons are facing early retirement and even spinal operations due to poor self-care while in operating theatres, a study has found. The study, titled, A Multi-Centre Review of Musculoskeletal Disordersin Surgical Staff, was recently presented by junior doctor in training, Rohan Bassi, at the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons – BAPRAS – annual conference. It highlighted the lack of awareness surrounding musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders in surgical staff, caused by poor posture in the operating room. The study showed the impact these disorders have on both the personal lives of surgeons and hospital departments. The presentation drew information from an audit undertaken at Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust, where MSK disorders accounted for 727 absence days over just one year. The audit found that discomfort was most commonly felt just 60 minutes into an operation, and that 1 in 7 surgeons outlined concerns about the impact of the pain upon their concentration and performance. Recurring suggestions included installing ergonomic seats for surgeons, improving the placement of patients and tables, providing advice on posture and relaxation, and having Trusts offer physiotherapy and exercises to surgeons and surgical staff. Key findings included:
l The most common time to feel discomfort was at 60 minutes, with the average being 93 minutes.
l Only 3% of surgeons reported having had previous stretching/exercise training.
l The four most common areas for discomfort were: lower back (42%), neck (41%), shoulders (35%), and upper back (32%).
l The study revealed notable correlations between contiguous body regions, suggesting that discomfort in one region is almost invariably associated with discomfort in a neighbouring region.
l 13% reported impact on stamina. l 14% reported impact on concentration and performance.
l 25% reported impact on quality of life. l 34% reported impact on general posture.
Study author, Rohan Bassi, commented: “The physical demands placed upon surgeons during surgical procedures can result in significant stress to their musculoskeletal system, with our research suggesting that pain can begin as early as 60 minutes into an operation. The extended duration of some procedures, which can last upwards of seven hours, and the requirement to maintain physically taxing positions can result in substantial strain to the neck, shoulders, upper back, and lower back. “There have been documented cases of surgeons
being forced into early retirement due to preventable musculoskeletal disorders, as well as one surgeon having to undergo a spinal fusion surgery. To ensure the wellbeing of surgeons and mitigate the physical risks inherent in surgery, it is imperative to raise awareness and implement targeted training programmes aimed at reducing the incidence of musculoskeletal conditions, while decreasing the number of work absences and early retirements.” A key aspect of the study, which was developed
in consultation with consultant plastic surgeon, Mr Daniel Markeson, centred on evaluating the efficacy of raising awareness about the negative impacts of poor posture through the placement of informational posters, which included illustrations of recommended exercises designed to counteract these effects. Rohan and a physiotherapist presented interventions at an Academic and Wellbeing Day, where the proposals were well received by surgeons. Rohan Bassi continued: “Feedback from trialling the posters in the operation environment was positive, suggesting that awareness is key. Implementing practices, such as engaging in brief stretching sessions every hour and monitoring the posture of surgical team members during procedures, can promote a culture of accountability within the surgical environment. “To raise awareness of the importance of
addressing musculoskeletal health in surgery, it is crucial to provide relevant education and training to surgical staff during dedicated wellness sessions and academic half-days. Proactively addressing the issue can help prevent the occurrence of an MSK disorder epidemic among surgical personnel.” Consultant plastic surgeon, Ruth Waters,
president of BAPRAS, concluded: “The presentation highlighted the importance of looking after surgeon and surgical staff wellbeing in the operating theatre. It’s imperative that these issues are raised and addressed to preserve the health and wellbeing of our surgical workforce, ensuring they are able to perform their vital duties without being hindered by preventable MSK conditions.”
July 2023 I
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com 25
Responses Total respondents for this question; 104
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