On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) points out that in the Latin American region there is a wide gap in radiological diagnosis rates between developing and industrialized countries, generating a greater concentration of work for radiology specialists.
If we add to the above the changes caused in the work dynamics within hospitals, as a result of the new normal, radiologists are bearing the brunt of it in the form of an ever-increasing workload, leading to longer days and the growing potential for occupational disorders related to neck pain, fatigue and stress.
These are some ways to improve ergonomics in radiology:
1. Image Quality
This aspect is of utmost importance for making an accurate diagnosis without eye strain. Characteristics such as screen brightness, contrast, color/grayscale accuracy, luminance uniformity, and stability are crucial factors for achieving the best possible image on the screen.
2. Lighting.
In the work of a radiologist, the focus is on interpreting dozens of studies per day in an environment with low levels of ambient light, which often leads to eye strain. Monitor brightness, as well as ambient light, is crucial for maintaining the radiologist's visual acuity.
3. Image Processing:
The speed at which a radiologist can load, size, position, and move through a study for optimal viewing is critical for comfortable and efficient diagnostic reading. Slow or inconsistent image manipulations disrupt the radiologist's focus.
4. Screen Design
For specialists, multimodal screens like the Coronis Uniti allow them to unify their workflow by combining PACS and mammography on a single computer terminal. Using this device replaces all previous monitor setups, eliminating the need for a monitor with multiple heads or switching to another computer terminal to view additional scans.
5. Workstation Design.
The design of the radiologist's workspace is extremely important, as a poor layout can cause neck strain resulting from frequent head movements due to viewing images on multiple screens.
Currently, 85% of radiologists have three or more screens at their workstation. A workstation configuration that considers both ergonomics and productivity in a single diagnostic device eliminates the need for multiple screens and allows for viewing all types of images.
6. Image Manipulation:
In medical image processing, factors such as continuous rearranging, wide panning and zooming, as well as the constant repetition of mouse clicks, can lead to repetitive motion disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, with Barco devices, specialists benefit from real-size presentation of medical images, requiring minimal panning, fewer windows, and less zooming, while still obtaining the best image for analysis—a key aspect for improving ergonomic viewing.
7. Visualization Tools.
Intuitive, workflow-enhancing tools provide radiologists with a more comfortable workday. An easy-to-use touch panel for quick interaction, a film clip that allows comparison of digital studies with previous film-based studies, keyboards, and wall lights, and various workflow tools designed to automate routine tasks, create a more efficient reading experience.
8. PACS
Finally, to improve ergonomics in the radiology reading room, the use of technologies that digitally streamline medical image management processes is an invaluable resource for creating a more comfortable workspace for radiologists.
Similarly, minimizing noise distractions and considering environmental factors such as temperature control, wall color, and furniture are also aspects that should be taken into account when providing radiologists with the best reading experience.
In conclusion, creating more comfortable spaces for radiology specialists leads to an optimized workspace with a more uniform workflow through the adaptation of the eight key aspects for improving ergonomics in diagnostic reading, resulting in greater opportunities for development for the healthcare sector and the specialists themselves.
