Micro-Breaks in ORL Surgery: Having a Flexible Approach to Operating
Authors List
Duignan, M., Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand
Leaper, M., Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand
Introduction: The ORL surgeon’s daily workload can exert a physical strain on his or her body due to the assumption of uncomfortable postures during lengthy operations. One of the major contributors to the shortening of a surgeon’s career is work-related pain. One method used in other industries to mitigate these ergonomic risks is the incorporation of “microbreaks”. These are brief pauses from tasks that use the same group of muscles so that they can rest and recover. However there is limited awareness among ORL surgeons of the potential application of microbreaks to their daily routine.
Aims & Methods: Targeted intraoperative micro-breaks with exercises performed by surgeons within the surgical field can mitigate both high physical and mental demands while enhancing performance during surgical procedures.
Results: We have developed a series of intra-operative exercises that can be performed by ORL surgeons in the operating room. We intend to demonstrate these exercises in an interactive session which promises to be both educational and insightful.
Conclusion: Microbreak stretches have been proven to reduce physical pain, fatigue, and improve mental focus with minimal disruption1. Other specialites have already encorporated similar exercises into their practice2. We believe ORL surgeons would benefit greatly from the microbreaks we present.
References:
1. M.S.Hallbeck, B.R.Lowndes, J.Bingener, A.M. Abdelrahmana, D. Yu, A. Bartley, A.E. Park. The impact of intraoperative microbreaks with exercises on surgeons: A multi-center cohort study. Applied Ergonomics. 2017 Apr;60:334–41.
2. A. Soueid, D. Oudit, S. Thiagarajah, G. Laitung. The pain of surgery: Pain experienced by surgeons while operating. International Journal of Surgery. 2010;8:118–20
Duignan, M., Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand
Leaper, M., Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand
Introduction: The ORL surgeon’s daily workload can exert a physical strain on his or her body due to the assumption of uncomfortable postures during lengthy operations. One of the major contributors to the shortening of a surgeon’s career is work-related pain. One method used in other industries to mitigate these ergonomic risks is the incorporation of “microbreaks”. These are brief pauses from tasks that use the same group of muscles so that they can rest and recover. However there is limited awareness among ORL surgeons of the potential application of microbreaks to their daily routine.
Aims & Methods: Targeted intraoperative micro-breaks with exercises performed by surgeons within the surgical field can mitigate both high physical and mental demands while enhancing performance during surgical procedures.
Results: We have developed a series of intra-operative exercises that can be performed by ORL surgeons in the operating room. We intend to demonstrate these exercises in an interactive session which promises to be both educational and insightful.
Conclusion: Microbreak stretches have been proven to reduce physical pain, fatigue, and improve mental focus with minimal disruption1. Other specialites have already encorporated similar exercises into their practice2. We believe ORL surgeons would benefit greatly from the microbreaks we present.
References:
1. M.S.Hallbeck, B.R.Lowndes, J.Bingener, A.M. Abdelrahmana, D. Yu, A. Bartley, A.E. Park. The impact of intraoperative microbreaks with exercises on surgeons: A multi-center cohort study. Applied Ergonomics. 2017 Apr;60:334–41.
2. A. Soueid, D. Oudit, S. Thiagarajah, G. Laitung. The pain of surgery: Pain experienced by surgeons while operating. International Journal of Surgery. 2010;8:118–20
