GE Healthcare Vivid S6 Signature Class Ultrasound from GE Healthcare - Manual

GE Healthcare
Designing Ultrasound Systems
to Reduce Occupational Injury
in Sonography.
Vivid S6 Signature Class Ultrasound from GE Healthcare
Product description and ergonomic evaluation by Sound Ergonomics, LLC
An ergonomically designed ultrasound system is important for
avoiding work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Occupational
injury is increasing among sonographers due, in part, to
larger workloads and workforce shortages. According to the
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), more than
80% of sonographers are scanning in pain and 20% of these
professionals eventually experience a career-ending injury.
On average, within 5 years of entering the profession,
sonographers experience pain as a result of their work tasks.
(1,2)
GE Healthcare’s commitment to designing ergonomically
friendly ultrasound systems has resulted in the new Vivid
™ S6,
which has been extensively evaluated by Sound Ergonomics.
The Vivid S6 is a new Signature Class ultrasound system that
offers many innovative ergonomic features, designed with the
sonographer in mind. The advanced features of the Vivid S6
address the industry standards for the prevention of work-
related injuries. From the monitor to the lightweight design,
the Vivid S6 incorporates simplicity and comfort. After the
ergonomic evaluation by Sound Ergonomics’ consultants,
the Vivid S6 was found to meet or exceed most of the industry
standards for equipment design.
(3)
Figure 1
Most common pains described by sonographers.
55% hands/fingers
58% upper back
59% wrist
74% neck
76% shoulders
Regions
of
the
body
Percentage of people reporting pain
ULTC-0200-01.08-EN-US
©2008 General Electric Company – All rights reserved.
GE Medical Systems Ultrasound & Primary Care Diagnostics, LLC,
a General Electric company, doing business as GE Healthcare.
General Electric Company reserves the right to make changes
in specifications and features shown herein, or discontinue the
product described at any time without notice or obligation.
Contact your GE representative for the most current information.
GE, GE Monogram, and Vivid are trademarks
of General Electric Company.
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Industry Standards:
The industry standards for sonography address the role
of employees, employers, educators, medical facilities,
and equipment manufacturers in reducing the incidence
and impact of work-related musculoskeletal injuries on
the workforce. These standards are intended to assist all
stakeholders in making informed decisions. Adoption of
these industry standards will improve the well-being of
sonographers and sonologists and, hopefully, assist in
addressing the workforce shortage in the profession by
keeping the most experienced sonographers on the job.
(4)
Top 4 musculoskeletal injuries found in the workplace,
and how to reduce injury risk by using the Vivid S6.
The major musculoskeletal disorders found in the workplace
involve the shoulder, the neck, and the hand and wrist.
The adjustability of the Vivid S6 and its compact size provide
control elements within the user’s reach, reduce arm
abduction and allow the user to be positioned in front of
the system’s monitor and the most commonly used keys.
1. Minimize sustained bending, twisting, reaching,
lifting, pressure, and awkward postures;
alternate sitting and standing and vary
scanning techniques and transducer grips.
2. Adjust all equipment to suit user’s size and
have accessories on hand before beginning
to scan.
3. Use measures to reduce arm abduction
and forward and backward reach to include:
instructing the patient to move as close
to the user as possible; adjust the exam
table and chair; and use arm supports.
4. Relax muscles periodically throughout the day:
a. Stretch hand, wrist, shoulder muscles,
and spine.
b. Take mini breaks during the procedure.
c. Take meal breaks separate from
work-related tasks.
d. Re-focus eyes onto distant objects.
e. Vary procedures, tasks, and skills
as much as reasonably possible.
5. Use correct body mechanics when moving
patients, wheelchairs, beds, stretchers, and
ultrasound equipment.
a. Correct body mechanic guidelines are
available from employers or regulatory bodies.
References:
1. Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Sonography Benchmark Survey.
Dallas, Texas; 2000.
2. The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Related Work and Personal Factors
Among Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (.pdf, 430 KB)
Ian Pike, PhD, Andre Russo, BSc, Jonathan Berkowitz, PhD
Joan P Baker, MSR, RDMS, Vicke A. Lessoway, RTR, RDMS
3. Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Industry Standards for the Prevention of Work-Related
Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography. May 2003
4. White Paper Industry Standards. Consensus Conference on Work-Related Musculoskeletal
Disorders in Sonography
Source: Employee Health and Safety Services, An Update
on Ergonomic Issues in Sonography, July 2000.
Chin
tuck
Shoulder
rolls
Wrist
circles
Wrist
flex/extension
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