Ergonomic assessment of physiotherapist health status

Abstract

Introduction: Ergonomics is a scientific discipline that helps people set more comfortable and productive working atmosphere by minimizing physical and mental stress. Ergonomics focuses on job design, improving conditions and product quality of work in order to reduce the risk of injury and work-related illness. By understanding and applying the principle of ergonomics, man can work more comfortably and efficiently, and can have a beneficial effect on health, pleasure and personal development. The aim of this study is to analyze the working conditions and workplace, to determine the influence of ergonomic factors on the health of physiotherapists, and to recognize stress factors in the workplace. The aim of the paper is also to examine whether the conditions, the way of work and the working environment affect the psychological and physical health of the physiotherapist.

Subjects and Methods: The study was prospective, descriptive and analytical on a sample of 30 examinees/physiotherapists employed in the Sarajevo Canton Sarajevo Health Center (CBR Saraj polje, Otoka and Vrazova). The research was conducted through the questionnaire: "Physical-ergonomic workplace evaluation", "Workplace stressor questionnaire", "Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire’’ (ÖMPQ).

Results: The greatest stressors for physiotherapists are overloaded work, inadequate material for work, inadequate number of employees and time limit for patient treatment. Orebro score to 100 points were scored by 21 (70%) respondents, and Orebro score over 101 points scored 9 (30%) respondents. The greatest ergonomic workplace problems are inadequate posture during work, lifting the load, repetitive movements.

Conclusion: Unfavorable ergonomic factors can lead to various disorders and illnesses to healthcare workers, and can lead to a high risk of chronic pain and the risk of losing working ability. Workplace stress represents a global public health problem, one of the major causes of occupational illness and sick leave generally, and is among the leading economic problems of developed countries.