As telehealth has become an established mode of care during the pandemic, healthcare organizations must ensure ergonomically correct workstations to promote the health, comfort and performance of caregivers.
During a webinar sponsored by Ergotron, Betsey Banker, a health, wellness and ergonomic expert, discussed why ergonomics are so important in today's telehealth environment. She identified key ergonomic risks and offered practical suggestions for improvement.
Five key insights:
- Telehealth has become an established mode of care that will continue into the future. According to one analysis, Before the COVID-19 pandemic, only .3 percent of patient visits were done by telehealth. Telehealth appointments understandably accelerated during the pandemic, and continued to account for 22 percent of patient visits in January 2021. Experts expect nearly 30 percent of all patient encounters to be conducted virtually by the end of the decade. Research finds that both patients and caregivers are satisfied with telehealth. Among patients, 78 percent indicate a desire to continue virtual visits post-pandemic.
- The shift to telehealth drastically changed healthcare professionals' work environment and introduced new health risks. "Many caregivers went from fully equipped patient rooms to working on laptops in a stationary environment all day," Banker said. "Practically overnight, both their workstations and work styles became drastically different. And while a lot of thought has gone into the placement of technology at the point of care, it's not necessarily as common to have considered the design of an office space behind the scenes." Inadequate equipment, lack of training and poor ergonomic habits can lead to poor posture and inactivity, thereby increasing the risk factors for pain (including neck, back, hand and wrist pain, and more), injury and increased costs.
- Improved "webside" manner promotes caregiver wellness while creating positive patient interaction. Regular intervals of standing while working at a computer can improve focus and attention as well as boost energy and alertness. Many studies show the detrimental health effects of sitting for long periods. "The last thing we want is for a doctor or nurse to be shifting uncomfortably in their chair while trying to create a positive patient experience," Banker said. Standing improves posture, which translates better over video, encourages hand gestures and body language, and helps project voice volume and clarity during a video visit.
- Caregivers need the right furniture, tools and training to put ergonomic priorities into practice. "It's not enough to just suggest that caregivers start standing for video calls," Banker said. "They really need the tools to do so in a way that's ergonomic and still promotes neutral postures." External monitors that can be moved up or down, keyboard trays that can drop below desk level and chairs with three or more adjustable points are suggested equipment.
- Ergonomic furniture and tools should safely support caregiver posture and movement. As healthcare organizations consider ergonomic furniture and accessories, it's important to ensure that equipment is safe and reliable. A standing desk should be stable when raised to the highest position. "Be sure that any product is easy to lift and lower without putting unnecessary strain on the user; you want the user force to be low," Banker said. "Be sure the design keeps the hands in a safe place while the product is being adjusted and that the product holds its position once set."
Ergotron's website (www.Ergotron.com), provides visuals and best practices with advice on proper posture and position of the head, back, shoulders, elbows, hands and wrists, and more.
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