while non-motorized, sit-to-stand devices can be used on mobile
patients, says Donald R. Peterson, PhD, MS, dean and professor of
engineering at the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics at Texas A&M University in Texarkana, Texas. Lateral
transfer devices like friction-reducing, single-use drawsheets, reusable
transfer boards and air transfer mattresses spare employees' backs as
they move patients from the stretcher to the bed, he says.
2. Minimize static or awkward positions
Dr. Peterson collaborated on a 2012 study on OR ergonomics with
Angela Kueck, MD, medical director of robots and simulation at the
University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, Conn. The
study (osmag.net/BnFpP5) found that 88% of MIS surgeons reported physi-
cal discomfort in sur-
gery. A lot of this pain
was due to the static
and awkward positions
caused by poorly
designed devices.
"We're seeing more
and more overuse
injuries, things like
neck problems or back
pain," says Dr. Kueck.
"There's also a lot of
arthritis and problems
with hands and wrists.
We're finding that one
size doesn't fit all."
Manufacturers are
6 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6
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