ErgoPART: A Computerized Observational Tool to Quantify Postural Loading in Real-Time During Surgery

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Ergonomics postural assessment in real-time (ErgoPART) is a new job analysis tool designed to systematically characterize the postural demands of performing surgery. Tasks, equipment, and procedures that require ergonomic intervention can be identified. ErgoPART can also be used to quantify the benefits of ergonomic interventions that reduce the frequency and duration of non-neutral postures. Preliminary tests, conducted in the context of vaginal surgery, indicate that the tool is easy to learn and may allow broad categories of neck, shoulder, and trunk postures to be coded reliably. ErgoPART is freely available for use.TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Little quantitative information exists regarding the postural demands placed on surgeons in the operating room. One reason for this is the lack of minimally invasive tools available to characterize the duration and frequency of non-neutral postures during surgery. Purpose: The objective of this study was to develop an ergonomics job ...