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Importance and Effects of Altered Workplace Ergonomics in Modern Radiology Suites¹

¹ From the Department of Radiology, Division of Abdominal Imaging & Intervention, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, White 289, Boston, MA 02114. Presented as an infoRAD exhibit at the 2002 RSNA scientific assembly. Received March 31, 2003; revision requested June 10 and received August 11; accepted August 18. Address correspondence to M.G.H. (e-mail: mharisinghani@partners.org).

The transition from a film-based to a filmless soft-copy picture archiving and communication system (PACS)–based environment has resulted in improved work flow as well as increased productivity, diagnostic accuracy, and job satisfaction. Adapting to this filmless environment in an efficient manner requires seamless integration of various components such as PACS workstations, the Internet and hospital intranet, speech recognition software, paperless electronic hospital medical records, e-mail, office software, and telecommunications. However, the importance of optimizing workplace ergonomics has received little attention. Factors such as the position of the work chair, workstation table, keyboard, mouse, and monitors, along with monitor refresh rates and ambient room lighting, have become secondary considerations. Paying close attention to the basics of workplace ergonomics can go a long way in increasing productivity and reducing fatigue, thus allowing full realization of the potential benefits of a PACS. Optimization of workplace ergonomics should be considered in the basic design of any modern radiology suite.

© RSNA, 2004

Index Terms: Radiology and radiologists, design of radiological facilities • Workstation

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