Have you ever wondered if the physical tasks you perform at work are safe? In healthcare, for instance, overexertion from repetitive manual patient handling is the primary cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for staff. Because daily duties routinely involve heavy manual lifting, pushing, or pulling, healthcare has the highest rate of MSDs among all industries. And different medical specialties come with different dangers. For instance, endoscopy (GI) staff must worry about the risks of applying abdominal pressure during colonoscopy, especially on obese patients.

A recent article in Endoscopy International raises the question, “Should the endoscopist be considered and trained like an athlete?” Although those outside the field of endoscopy might not immediately see the connection, because of the physical nature of a gastroenterologist’s job, the issue is an important one. And given the fact that one out of every two endoscopy staff will eventually suffer a work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) injury, the same question should be asked of nurses and nursing assistants.

Looping occurs in 90% of all colonoscopies. It is the main cause of patient pain and failed and prolonged procedures. Yet the concept of looping can be hard to grasp and even harder to visualize.

This short video illustrates WHAT looping looks like and WHY it happens.

 All physicians want to provide superior care for their patients, but practicing medicine today can be complicated. In the last decade, doctors have been tasked with navigating new technologies, government mandates, and payment guidelines, all of which can detract from caring for patients.

The safety and comfort of patients undergoing colonoscopy is of paramount importance to hospitals, providers, and of course, the patients themselves. But what about the physicians performing the procedure? It might be news to those outside the field, but gastroenterologists are commonly injured on the job. A review of current literature found that musculoskeletal complaints are extremely common among GIs; the incidence of pain and injuries ranges from 29% up to 89%. Another study indicated that 45% of endoscopists undergo physical therapy to combat pain, 26.8% get steroid injections, and 13.3% require surgery.