Female Surgical Ergonomics in Otolaryngology: A National Survey Study.

TitleFemale Surgical Ergonomics in Otolaryngology: A National Survey Study.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsMorse E, Tai K, Harpel L, Born H, Krishna P, Rameau A
JournalOtolaryngol Head Neck Surg
Volume170
Issue3
Pagination788-794
Date Published2024 Mar
ISSN1097-6817
KeywordsEndoscopy, Ergonomics, Female, Humans, Otolaryngologists, Otolaryngology, Surveys and Questionnaires, United States
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.

DOI10.1002/ohn.568
Alternate JournalOtolaryngol Head Neck Surg
PubMed ID37890071
PubMed Central IDPMC10922095
Grant ListK76 AG079040 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
OT2 OD032720 / OD / NIH HHS / United States
UL1 TR002384 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States