The American Society of Echocardiography published a new guideline Aug. 3 aimed at preventing the work-related musculoskeletal disorders that push cardiac sonographers out of the profession and threaten the workforce’s long-term stability.
“Guidelines for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders for Cardiac Sonographers” sets standards for ergonomic equipment, scanning technique and workspace design, and calls on hospitals to rethink scheduling practices that lead to overwork. It also urges earlier identification of injury symptoms and points to emerging technology, including artificial intelligence tools and wearable feedback devices, as part of the solution.
“For too long, musculoskeletal injury has been viewed as an expected part of being a cardiac sonographer. This guideline challenges that mindset by demonstrating that many of these injuries are preventable through thoughtful design, education and organizational commitment,” said Ashlee Davis, chief technologist at Duke University Hospital in Durham, N.C., who chaired the guideline writing group.
Cynthia Taub, MD, ASE president and Edward C. Reifenstein Endowed Professor and chair of medicine at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, said the effort is also about protecting patient access to care.
“Protecting the long-term health of cardiac sonographers is fundamental to the future of the cardiovascular imaging. With this guideline, ASE is providing much needed advice to help healthcare organizations create safer, more sustainable workplaces and ensure continued access to high-quality patient care,” Dr. Taub said.
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