NEW ZEALAND SONOGRAPHERS - A SURVEY OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PROBLEMS IN THE WORKPLACE

Jill Muirhead DCR RDMS DMU, Dunedin, New Zealand

A survey was undertaken on behalf of the New Zealand branch of ASUM, with the primary objective being to determine the profile of work-related injuries and musculoskeletal symptomatology among sonographers in New Zealand. Also the aim was to look at the causes of these problems and to contribute ideas to overcoming them.
The survey took the form of a self-administered questionnaire, based on previous studies undertaken in the United States (1, 2), and Canada (3). Content in the survey included: personal details (gender, age, height, weight, general health and physical fitness), work related information, musculoskeletal symptomatology, treatment, causes and effects, and methods of overcoming these problems.
Initially a pilot study was sent to 25 sonographers in Otago and Southland, with general, cardiac and vascular backgrounds. There was a very pleasing 84% return rate. After a slight modification the survey form was eventually sent to those north of the Waitaki to all sonographers listed on the New Zealand branch of ASUM database. A further 170 questionnaires were distributed and 78 were returned. Including the pilot study, there was a total of 99 returned survey forms, giving a response rate of 51%.

Citation
Muirhead J. New Zealand Sonographers - a survey of musculoskeletal problems in the workplace. ASUM Bulletin 2001.4:23-25.