Comparing Conventional Abdominal Ultrasound Scanning Versus a Robotic Assisted Ultrasonography System (ROBUST)
Condition: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) among sonographers/radiographers are prevalent
      in the healthcare industry. This pilot study will evaluate the use of a robotic assisted
      ultrasonography system (ROBUST) against the conventional abdominal ultrasound scanning
      procedure. The ROBUST will be developed to provide 6 degrees of freedom to allow
      radiographers to perform abdominal scanning without having to reach over patients.

      10 sonographers with at least 5 years of experience will be recruited from SGH and SKH, to
      perform abdominal ultrasound scans on healthy volunteers. Each sonographer will be randomly
      assigned to scan a volunteer using conventional abdominal ultrasound scanning procedure and
      with ROBUST respectively. The study will be done in 2 phases, separated by at least a 1-month
      interval between scans.

      Phase 1: Scanning of volunteer using conventional abdominal ultrasound scanning procedure.

      Phase 2: Scanning of volunteer using ROBUST. Outcome measures will include ultrasound image
      quality, sonographer feedback and comfort level as well as satisfaction feedback from healthy
      volunteers. A panel of 4 reviewers, consisting of 2 radiologists and 2 senior radiographers
      will be invited to grade the images, using a 3-point Likert scale. The duration of each
      scanning will be recorded. The comfort level reported by sonographers will be assessed using
      the SGH Comfort Level Survey. In addition, the comfort level of healthy volunteers will also
      be assessed using a satisfaction questionnaire.
    

Detailed description: 
      -  10 participating sonographers will be recruited from SGH and SKH to perform abdominal
           ultrasound scanning.

        -  10 healthy volunteers of average body habitus with BMI <30, abdominal circumference
           <102cm will be recruited.

        -  Each sonographer will be randomly assigned to scan 1 healthy volunteer. The same
           volunteer will be scanned twice with an interval of at least 1 month between two scans:
           once using conventional abdominal ultrasound scanning procedure and once using ROBUST.

        -  During the session, markers coated with a retroreflective material to reflect light to
           the motion capture camera will be pasted on participating sonographers on various parts
           of the upper limb.

        -  Surface electromyography (sEMG) electrodes will be affixed on sonographers' upper
           trapezius, deltoid, biceps, triceps, wrist extensors and flexors to monitor muscle
           activities.

        -  The healthy volunteer will lie on a plinth with the participating sonographer seated
           next to him/her. The sonographer will then perform scanning on various abdominal organs
           following the point of reference and scanning approach as indicated.

        -  The same ultrasound scanner and probe type will be used on all volunteers by all
           sonographers.

        -  Static bilateral grip strength of participating sonographers will be measured using a
           dynamometer before and after each scan.

        -  At the end of both scans, participating sonographers will be required to complete a
           survey on comfort level.

        -  At the end of both scans, healthy volunteers will be required to complete a survey on
           satisfaction level.

        -  The quality of the images from both scans will be rated by 4 readers: 2 consultant
           radiologists and 2 senior radiographers. A photometer will be used to ensure all readers
           interpret images directly from a designated monitor under consistent lighting condition.
    

Observational model: Case-Only
Time perspective: Cross-Sectional
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        10 sonographers from SGH or SKH and 10 healthy volunteers.