Takeaways • Failure to understand the complexity of the work performed in the sterile processing department (SPD) can lead to staff shortages, errors, and significant financial loss. • Strategies for addressing SPD staffing include effective orientation, certification, competency assessment, analyzing staffing needs, and leader visibility. • SPD schedules should reflect…

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Nurses have the highest incidence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries in the US, and OR nurses have the highest incidence among all nursing specialties. Estimates in the literature say more than 50% report chronic back pain, and 10% must leave their profession entirely because of back injuries. It is also estimated…

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Editor's Note In this multicenter study, a global program based on the application of ergonomics in the OR and specific physical exercises reduced work-related musculoskeletal disorders among surgeons. A total of 141 surgeons were randomized to either the preventive program (PP) group (65 surgeons) or the no preventive program (NPP)…

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Editor's Note The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in surgeons and interventionalists is high, this meta-analysis finds. Of 5,828 physicians, there was: degenerative cervical spine disease in 17% rotator cuff pathology in 18% degenerative lumbar spine disease in 19% carpal tunnel syndrome in 9%. From 1997 to 2015, the prevalence…

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Editor's Note New RNs working night shifts and overtime are at increased risk for injury, this study finds. Those working weekly overtime were associated with a 32% increase in the risk of needle sticks. New nurses working night shifts correlated with a 16% increase in the risk of sprain and…

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