Supporting Surgical Teams: Identifying Needs and Barriers for Exoskeleton Implementation in the Operating Room.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify potential needs and barriers related to using exoskeletons to decrease musculoskeletal (MS) symptoms for workers in the operating room (OR).

Background

MS symptoms and injuries adversely impact worker health and performance in surgical environments. Half of the surgical team members (e.g., surgeons, nurses, trainees) report MS symptoms during and after surgery. Although the ergonomic risks in surgery are well recognized, little has been done to develop and sustain effective interventions.

Method

Surgical team members (n = 14) participated in focus groups, performed a 10-min simulated surgical task with a commercial upper-body exoskeleton, and then completed a usability questionnaire. Content analysis was con

SUBMITTER: Cha JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10027361 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature