Prevalence of Work-Related Pain or Discomfort Among Urologists in the State of Florida: Results From the Florida Urologic Society Task Force on Ergonomic Challenges Experienced by Its Members

BACKGROUND Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMRDs) are very prevalent among urologists. Understanding factors associated with increased work pain can help mitigate this discomfort and decrease burnout. OBJECTIVE To quantify the number of Urologists who reported WRMDs > 25% of the time. METHODS The Florida Urological Society Task Force (FUSTF) developed a survey based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire with additional input from Cornell ergonomic studies. MCSRC conducted and distributed the survey to 504 members of the Florida Urological Society in 2023. RESULTS The total response rate was 18.6%. The primary outcome (number of urologists who reported pain > 25% of the time) was 45.3%. 32.4% reported pain associated >25% of the time with endoscopic surgery, 40.0% for major open cases, 20.6% for minor open cases, and 22.7% for robotic cases. 68.8% of respondents attributed their work-related pain to uncomfortable operating positions. 29.9% of respondents chose to ignore their pain. CONCLUSIONS The total response rate was 18.6%. The primary outcome (number of urologists who reported pain > 25% of the time) was 45.3%. 32.4% reported pain associated >25% of the time with endoscopic surgery, 40.0% for major open cases, 20.6% for minor open cases, and 22.7% for robotic cases. 68.8% of respondents attributed their work-related pain to uncomfortable operating positions. 29.9% of respondents chose to ignore their pain. CLINICALTRIAL n/a