Female Surgical Ergonomics in Otolaryngology: A National Survey Study

Elliot Morse · Katherine Tai · Lexa Harpel · Hayley L. Born · Priya D. Krishna · Anaïs Rameau

11 citations0/0 files storedOtolaryngology

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Diversity and Career in Medicine Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders Sex and Gender in Healthcare

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the nature and impact surgical ergonomic challenges experienced by female otolaryngologists. STUDY DESIGN: National survey study. SETTING: Female otolaryngology residents, fellows and attendings recruited via social media posting and email distribution. METHODS: We distributed a survey study to female otolaryngologists throughout the United States. The height and glove size of participants reporting difficulties with equipment and instruments were compared to those not reporting difficulties. RESULTS: Ninety-six female otolaryngologists participated in our study, comprised of 43% residents, 10% fellows, and 47% attendings. Ninety percent of participants reported difficulties using equipment and 77% of participants reported difficulty with instruments, the most common being nasal endoscopic instruments (28%). The vast majority of participants reported pain during and (or) after the operation (92%). Head and neck (53%) and rhinology (44%) were identified as particularly challenging specialities, but only 25% of participants reported that ergonomics affected their career plans. Participants felt that adjustable equipment (60%), a variety of sizes of instruments (43%), and more discussion around ergonomics (47%) would help. Respondents reported adjusting the operating room to accommodate their size took extra time (44%) and was a mental burden (39%). Participants reporting difficulties with operating room equipment were significantly shorter than those without difficulties (64 inches vs 67 inches, P = .037), and those reporting difficulties with instruments had a smaller median glove size (6 vs 6.5, P = .018). CONCLUSION: Surgical ergonomics represent a challenge for female otolaryngologists, particularly those with smaller hands and shorter height. Partnering with industry, we must address the needs of an increasingly diverse workforce to ensure that all surgeons can operate effectively and comfortably.

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2009Patients Benefit While Surgeons Suffer: An Impending Epidemic 2021The unspoken reality of gender bias in surgery: A qualitative systematic review 2018Ergonomic hazards in otolaryngology 2012Disparities between industrial and surgical ergonomics 2020Incorporating Surgical Ergonomics Education into Surgical Residency Curriculum 2017Assessing work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among otolaryngology residents 2009Ergonomic analysis of microlaryngoscopy 2021Surgical Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Pain in Orthopaedic Surgery Residents: A Multicenter Survey Study

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