Presentation
Surgical Ergonomics: Surgical instrumentation for surgeons of all hand sizes and strengths to increase inclusion and diversity in the operating room
DescriptionSurgical instruments such as staplers, clamps, and laparoscopic tools often fall short in accommodating surgeons with smaller hands, a challenge which disproportionally affects women and individuals of Latino or Asian ethnicity/race. These instruments demand a level of strength that surpasses the physical capabilities of most women and many men. As a result, this not only poses a risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) for surgeons, but also fosters a sense among smaller or less strong surgeons (especially trainees) that they are not welcome in the operating room. Moreover, the utilization of tools that are not designed for the user and task, can compromise patient safety.
In this panel, expert ergonomists and surgeons will discuss their experience with poorly designed instruments, research findings related to surgical instrumentation, and opportunities for improvement. Specifically, ergonomists who have conducted extensive research on hand size/strength and instrumentation will share their research findings, a former instrument researcher will shed light on the realities of how human factors principles are incorporated for user inclusivity, and surgeons will share their personal experiences of feeling excluded due to hand size and strength issues.
The panel will be moderated by Tara Cohen, PhD (Secretary of the Society of Surgical Ergonomics and Director of Surgical Safety and Human Factors Research at Cedars-Sinai). Speakers will include ergonomists: Susan Hallbeck, PhD and Hamid Norasi, PhD both from Mayo Clinic, and Mr. Oscar Meyer from Anthrotech, formerly with Johnson and Johnson surgical instrumentation and surgeons: Heather Weinreich, MD from University of Chicago, Kristin Chrouser, MD from University of Michigan and Jacqueline Wong, MD from Oregon Health Sciences University, each of whom have published on surgical ergonomics and surgical instrumentation issues for women and small-handed men.
In this panel, expert ergonomists and surgeons will discuss their experience with poorly designed instruments, research findings related to surgical instrumentation, and opportunities for improvement. Specifically, ergonomists who have conducted extensive research on hand size/strength and instrumentation will share their research findings, a former instrument researcher will shed light on the realities of how human factors principles are incorporated for user inclusivity, and surgeons will share their personal experiences of feeling excluded due to hand size and strength issues.
The panel will be moderated by Tara Cohen, PhD (Secretary of the Society of Surgical Ergonomics and Director of Surgical Safety and Human Factors Research at Cedars-Sinai). Speakers will include ergonomists: Susan Hallbeck, PhD and Hamid Norasi, PhD both from Mayo Clinic, and Mr. Oscar Meyer from Anthrotech, formerly with Johnson and Johnson surgical instrumentation and surgeons: Heather Weinreich, MD from University of Chicago, Kristin Chrouser, MD from University of Michigan and Jacqueline Wong, MD from Oregon Health Sciences University, each of whom have published on surgical ergonomics and surgical instrumentation issues for women and small-handed men.
Event Type
Discussion Panel
TimeMonday, March 253:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
LocationSalon A-1
Hospital Environments