Ergonomics and the Anesthesiologist

Ergonomics is defined as the study of human and other factors of a system. Ergonomic factors during procedures and surgeries are important, because highly skilled performance is required in a medical environment. Evidence exists that even simple surgical procedures have associated occupational hazards if ergonomic principles are overlooked. Anesthesia is one of the most complex medical specialties, which involves precision, minute-to-minute monitoring, and continuous revaluation and adjustments. There is a paucity of published data in ergonomics applied to anesthetic procedure and none that examine patient, operator, and environmental factors simultaneously. Operating room environment has been studied as an ergonomic factor affecting anesthesia outcome. Ergonomics of anesthesia equipment and performance of common tasks such as endotracheal intubation and spinal anesthesia have been studied. The following ergonomic principles can reduce the fatigue and benefit health of anesthesiologists.