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Download fileMammography workstation design: effect on mammographer behaviour and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders
conference contribution
posted on 2010-06-03, 10:46 authored by Sian Taylor-Phillips, Matthew G. Wallis, Alastair GaleIn the UK Breast Screening Programme there is a growing transition from film to digital mammography, and
consequently a change in mammography workstation ergonomics. This paper investigates the effect of the change for
radiologists including their comfort, likelihood of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s), and work practices.
Three workstations types were investigated: one with all film mammograms; one with digital mammograms alongside
film mammograms from the previous screening round, and one with digital mammograms alongside digitised film
mammograms from the previous screening round. Mammographers were video-taped whilst conducting work sessions at
each of the workstations. Event based Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) postural analysis showed no overall
increase in MSD risk level in the switch from the film to digital workstation. Average number of visual glances at the
prior mammograms per case measured by analysis of recorded video footage showed an increase if the prior
mammograms were digitised, rather than displayed on a multi-viewer (p<.05). This finding has potential implications for
mammographer performance in the transition to digital mammography in the UK.
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