Safety, hazards and ergonomics in the operating room.
OBJECTIVE
The objective for this study was to address the lack of information regarding the working conditions in the operating room (OR). Safety issues in the OR need to be discussed not only for the sake of patients, but also for personnel, as hazards may occur for all persons within the OR.


METHODS
To evaluate the workplace conditions in the operating room, a survey was conducted among surgeons working in German hospitals. Sixty questions were asked regarding the personal profile, the architectural situation, the devices and instruments as well as working posture and associated pain.


RESULTS
The survey showed elementary ergonomic deficiencies within all fields. Surgeons stated that these deficiencies lead to potential hazards for patients and personnel, potentially on a frequent basis. 97% of the surveyed surgeons see ergonomic improvement in the operating room as necessary.


CONCLUSIONS
The survey results display a high potential for improvement within all fields. Therefore, industry, surgeons and their professional organizations are asked to work on the optimization of the workplace conditions in the operating room in terms of improvement of quality and efficiency.
Matern
Ulrich
U
Experimental-OR & Ergonomics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany. ulrich.matern@uni-tuebingen.de
Koneczny
Sonja
S
D016288:Computer Terminals / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005858:Germany; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011187:Posture; D012449:Safety / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013523:Surgical Equipment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013696:Temperature; D017132:Workplace / Q000706:statistics & numerical data