Role of Ergonomics for Prevention of Endoscopy-Related Injury

Publication Date: May 26, 2023
Last Updated: September 29, 2023

Summary of Recommendations

The ASGE recommends ergonomics education to reduce the risk of ERI. (S, VL)
620
The ASGE suggests that GI endoscopists take microbreaks and scheduled macrobreaks to reduce the risk of ERI. (C, VL)
620
The ASGE recommends a neutral monitor position during endoscopies to reduce the risk of ERI. (S, VL)
620
The ASGE recommends the use of a neutral bed height to reduce the risk of ERI. (S, VL)
620
The ASGE suggests the use of antifatigue mats to reduce the risk of ERI. (C, VL)
620

Additional Findings

  • Endoscopists report high rates of ERI.
  • Female endoscopists are at higher risk of ERI compared with male endoscopists.
  • Greater exposure to endoscopy procedures (time spent performing endoscopy and procedure volume) is associated with higher rates of ERIs.

Recommendation Grading

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

Overview

Title

Role of Ergonomics for Prevention of Endoscopy-Related Injury

Authoring Organization

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Publication Month/Year

May 26, 2023

Last Updated Month/Year

April 1, 2024

Supplemental Implementation Tools

Document Type

Guideline

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

This clinical practice guideline from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy provides an evidence-based approach to strategies to prevent endoscopy-related injury (ERI) in GI endoscopists. It is accompanied by the article subtitled "Methodology and Review of Evidence," which provides a detailed account of the methodology used for the evidence review. This document was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. The guideline estimates the rates, sites, and predictors of ERI. Additionally, it addresses the role of ergonomics training, microbreaks and macrobreaks, monitor and table positions, antifatigue mats, and use of ancillary devices in decreasing the risk of ERI. We recommend formal ergonomics education and neutral posture during the performance of endoscopy, achieved through adjustable monitor and optimal procedure table position, to reduce the risk of ERI. We suggest taking microbreaks and scheduled macrobreaks and using antifatigue mats during procedures to prevent ERI. We suggest the use of ancillary devices in those with risk factors predisposing them to ERI.

Inclusion Criteria

Male, Female, Adolescent, Adult, Child, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Hospital, Outpatient, Operating and recovery room

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Management, Prevention

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D004724 - Endoscopy

Keywords

endoscopy, endoscopy injury, ergonomics, endoscopy-related injury, ERI, targeted stretching microbreak

Source Citation

Pawa S, Kwon RS, Fishman DS, Thosani NC, Shergill A, Grover SC, Al-Haddad M, Amateau SK, Buxbaum JL, Calderwood AH, Chalhoub JM, Coelho-Prabhu N, Desai M, Elhanafi SE, Forbes N, Fujii-Lau LL, Kohli DR, Machicado JD, Marya NB, Ruan W, Sheth SG, Storm AC, Thiruvengadam NR, Qumseya BJ; (ASGE Standards of Practice Committee Chair, 2020-2023). American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on the role of ergonomics for prevention of endoscopy-related injury: summary and recommendations. Gastrointest Endosc. 2023 Oct;98(4):482-491. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2023.05.056. Epub 2023 May 27. PMID: 37245720.

Supplemental Methodology Resources

Evidence Tables