P-243 Occupational Exposure and Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders on Operating Room Instrumentalists

Introduction Operating rooms (ORs) Instrumentalists are confronted with biomechanical and psycho-organizational constraints at work, exposing them to a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Aims: To describe the specific occupational exposure of ORs instrumentalists to MSDs risk factors, and assess their impact on the health of these workers. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study examined instrumentalists in various ORs using a pre-established self administered questionnaire, in February 2023. Results One hundred and ninety instrumentalists, predominantly female (sex ratio=0.28), with an average age of 32.25±8.51years and professional seniority of 7.91years, completed the questionnaire. They commonly performed repetitive (48.4%), gestures at a fast pace (73.7%), requiring high precision (92.1%) and great attention (95.3%). The work tasks were described as complex (79%), demanding high muscle strength (72.7%), and prolonged standing (62.6%). Additionally, they reported their work as stressful(67.3%), monotonous(35%), and unmotivating(31%), with a lack of autonomy(78%) and remuneration(81%). Physical constraints in the workplace were reported as cold(82.1%), insufficient lighting(25%) and vibrations(13%). In the last year, they experienced pain in various body areas: lower back (62.1%), shoulders (53.2%), neck (50%), wrists (17.9%), elbows (13.2%), and fingers (8.9%). The pain was attributed to work (76.8%), leading to medical treatment (38.4%) and sick leave (28.4%), impacting professional activity for 13.7% of employees and 28.4% of employees taking temporary leave. Discussion Instrumentalists are confronted to face gestural and postural constraints that can cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), affecting their health and work-fitness. Conclusion The findings underscore the necessity of implementing proactive measures to safeguard the well-being and productivity of the ORs staff.