Better musculoskeletal health for anaesthetists
Authors:   Consultant, Department of Anaesthesia, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, and Co-Chair, Working Party on behalf of the Association of Anaesthetists, Yentis S.M. , Asanati K. ,   Consultant Occupational Physician and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London, London, UK, and Co-Chair, Working Party on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine, Bailey C.R. ,   Consultant, Department of Anaesthesia, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, Hampton R. ,   General Practitioner, Wigston, Leicestershire, UK, on behalf of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Hobson I. ,   Policy Advisor, MSD Policy Team, Engagement and Policy Division, Health and Safety Executive, UK, Hodgson K. ,   Specialist Trainee in Anaesthesia, South East Scotland School of Anaesthesia, UK, Leiffer S. ,   Consultant, Department of Anaesthesia, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK, Pattani S. ,   Clinical Director, Occupational Health Department, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK, and Chair, NHS Health at Work Network, Walker-Bone K. ,   Professor in Occupational Rheumatology and Honorary Consultant in Rheumatology, Director, MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, Southampton, UK
Published: June 2021

3Association of Anaesthetists | Better musculoskeletal health for anaesthetistsSummaryWork-related musculoskeletal disorders are very common amongst healthcare workers, and there is evidence that anaesthetists are at greater risk of upper limb disorders than other groups. This guidance aims to bring together advice and recommendations from a variety of sources in order to inform and support anaesthetists at work, in an attempt to reduce the prevalence and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the exacerbation of pre-existing disorders. Mechanical and psychosocial risk factors for work-associated musculoskeletal disorders are summarised, along with general principles for achieving better musculoskeletal health and practices specific to areas of the body most at risk. These include recommended exercises and stretches during sedentary work.RecommendationsAttention must be paid by both employers and anaesthetists to the physical and psychological risk factors that may lead to development and/or exacerbation of musculoskeletal disorders. This requires ongoing risk assessments and adherence to published standards of health and safety at work, including training. Such a programme is best achieved as part of a multidisciplinary approach.What other guidelines are available on this topic? There are many sources of guidance on health and safety in the workplace, across many sectors, much of which is of relevance to anaesthetists. There is no readily accessible guidance specifically aimed at the anaesthetic workplace.Why was this guideline developed?This guidance was developed as part of a wider piece of work by the Association of Anaesthetists based around ergonomics of the anaesthetic workplace, as a result of the increased reported incidence of musculoskeletal disorders amongst anaesthetists. It aims to draw on existing guidance and present a summary of advice relevant to anaesthetists and their practice.How and why does this publication differ from existing guidelines?This guidance summarises other advice and recommendations, and focuses on factors relevant to the anaesthetic workplace