Work-related musculoskeletal injuries among obstetricians and gynaecologists: A cross-sectional survey of Fellows of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)

Background Obstetricians and gynaecologists (O&Gs) are at a risk of work-related musculoskeletal injuries (WRMI) on a daily basis. Aims To describe the prevalence of WRMI among O&Gs in Australia and New Zealand, explore risk factors for such injuries, and evaluate their impact. Methods An online survey of Fellows of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists was conducted in July 2016. It comprised questions on personal attributes, type of work, site and cause of WRMI, if any and treatment required. Results We received responses from 765 O&Gs giving a response rate of 38.3% (765/1997). Four hundred and ten specialists (53.6%) reported suffering a WRMI at some point, including 252 (32.9%) who reported multiple injuries. In multivariable analysis, females had increased risk of WRMI (odds ratio (OR): 2.12; 95% CI: 1.54-2.91) and among generalists and subspecialists, gynaecological oncologists had highest risk for WRMI (OR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.21-8.14). Commonest sites of injury were back (218/633, 34.4%) and shoulder (131/633, 20.7%). Laparoscopic surgery (117/633, 18.5%) was the commonest cause of injury. Treatment was required for 88.6% of injuries (561/633) including 8.4% (53/633) of cases which required surgery. Ongoing symptoms post-injury were reported for 52.1% of injuries (330/633) and in 25.8% (163/633) of instances the practitioner needed to modify their scope of work. Conclusion This survey among a large cohort of O&Gs shows a high prevalence of WRMI with a profound negative impact on the practitioner and profession. There is a pressing need to advocate for improved ergonomics in their workplaces.

Automated summary

The study found a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries among obstetricians and gynaecologists in Australia and New Zealand, with a significant impact on their work and well-being. Women and gynaecological oncologists were at a higher risk of such injuries, commonly affecting the back and shoulder due to laparoscopic surgery. There is a pressing need for improved ergonomics in their workplaces to prevent such injuries.