Mammography workstation design: effect on mammographer behaviour and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders

S. Taylor-Phillips; M. G Wallis; A. G. Gale

doi:10.1117/12.770202

6 March 2008 Mammography workstation design: effect on mammographer behaviour and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders

S. Taylor-Phillips, M. G Wallis, A. G. Gale

Proceedings Volume 6917, Medical Imaging 2008: Image Perception, Observer Performance, and Technology Assessment; 69171G (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.770202
Event: Medical Imaging, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In the UK Breast Screening Programme there is a growing transition from film to digital mammography, and consequently a change in mammography workstation ergonomics. This paper investigates the effect of the change for radiologists including their comfort, likelihood of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD's), and work practices. Three workstations types were investigated: one with all film mammograms; one with digital mammograms alongside film mammograms from the previous screening round, and one with digital mammograms alongside digitised film mammograms from the previous screening round. Mammographers were video-taped whilst conducting work sessions at each of the workstations. Event based Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) postural analysis showed no overall increase in MSD risk level in the switch from the film to digital workstation. Average number of visual glances at the prior mammograms per case measured by analysis of recorded video footage showed an increase if the prior mammograms were digitised, rather than displayed on a multi-viewer (p<.05). This finding has potential implications for mammographer performance in the transition to digital mammography in the UK.

Citation Download Citation

S. Taylor-Phillips, M. G Wallis, and A. G. Gale "Mammography workstation design: effect on mammographer behaviour and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders", Proc. SPIE 6917, Medical Imaging 2008: Image Perception, Observer Performance, and Technology Assessment, 69171G (6 March 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.770202

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