An investigation of musculoskeletal disorders amongst radiographers in Malta

Abstract

Purpose: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a prevalent issue among health professionals, especially those heavily involved in patient handling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MSDs amongst radiographers working in Malta. Research objectives The main objective of the study was to design and distribute a questionnaire to local radiographers to collect data that could help establish their prevalence of MSDs. Additionally, the data would be analysed to identify which anatomical regions radiographers were mostly affected by MSDs as well as identify possible causes and solutions for these MSDs. Methodology: A cross-sectional non-experimental research design was adopted for this study. An online questionnaire comprising of an adapted version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was distributed via email to local radiographers. The collected qualitative and quantitative data was then analysed to determine MSD prevalence amongst local radiographers, as well as to identify affected anatomical regions and radiographers’ opinion about possible causes and potential solutions for MSDs. Results: A total of 46 participants were recruited with a response rate of 20.7%. The main causes leading to an MSD were outlined and listed, and as the results show, MSDs exist among both diagnostic and radiotherapy radiographers, with an incidence of 97.8% among participants. The most common area affected was the lower back (80.4%), followed by the neck (78.2%) and shoulders (76.1%). The most common cause was linked to manual handling. Respondents indicated that there is a need for updated training and refresher courses in manual handling to minimise MSD occurrence in their work. Conclusions The implementation of refresher courses in manual handling is crucial to ensure that the radiography workforce is protected from avoidable MSDs that may arise from lack of opportunities to refresh manual handling knowledge, to ensure safe and efficient delivery of diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy services.