Ultrasound workstation analysis of De La Salle University Medical Center

• Main Authors: Asenci, Jan Arah Yvone G., Chua, Denise Geraldine C., Sayson, Charlene Zarah R.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2017
• Subjects: Design—Human factors; Human engineering; Human comfort; Ergonomics; Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/18677
• Institution: De La Salle University

This research study aims to identify the present and probable problems of the current ultrasound workstation of De La Salle University- Medical Center and provide improvements and recommendation to their current workstation that would increase comfort and decrease pain. The current workstation was assessed and evaluated using different ergonomic tools such as Illumination, Glare, Noise, Anthropometry, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Nordic Questionnaire, Comfort Survey, and Postural Analysis. Using the data gathered, it was evaluated and compared with the ergonomic standards of Hong Kong Occupational Safety and Health Branch - Labor Department, Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA), European Agency for Occupational Safety and Health, and Filipino Anthropometry Data, to determine if the current workstation is fit for the radiologic technologists and safe from risks and injuries. The study focused on solving the problem regarding their posture while performing the ultrasound procedure. The RULA scores were 5.43 and 4.86 for the right hand (abdomen and thyroid) and 3.43 for the left hand which indicates that further investigation and change on the current workstation is needed soon. The Postural Analysis showed that they stretch their wrist 65% of the time, their right elbow not assisted 80% of the time, and they raise their shoulder 81 % of the time. While the Nordic questionnaire, focus group discussion, and comfort survey indicated that the participants experienced pain in their body parts specifically their right wrist, right shoulder, arm, and back. Ergonomic standards and principles were used to create alternative product designs that will improve the current measures of the current workstation. The proposed solution of an ergonomic chair with ultrasound arm support yielded an average RULA score of 3.00 for both the right side (abdomen and thyroid) and left side. According to the Nordic questionnaire and comfort survey, the proposed product improved their overall experience and has reduced the pain by 50% for the neck, I 00% for both shoulders, 50% for right shoulder, 100% for both wrists/hands, 50% for right wrist/hand, 67% for the upper back, and 75% for the lower back, and I 00% for one/both hips or thighs. After replacing the current workstation, DLSUMC will experience an ergonomic friendly environment where risk and injury are prevented. The proposed solution will improve their morale, job satisfaction, comfort while doing the ultrasound procedure. The proposed solution also has quantitative benefits such as task time reduction and compensation claims savings. It was determined that the payback period on investing on the product would be approximately 2.36 years. This study showed the importance on the application of Ergonomics in relation to the radiologic technologists in the Philippines. The proposed solution did not only improve their experience but also decreased the risk of having work related injuries.