Assessing ergonomic risks in cardiac catheterization operators
Quantifying Ergonomic Risk in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory: A Comparative Study With and Without a 'Lead-free' Radiation Protection System
This study looks at how safe and comfortable cardiac catheterization operators feel while working with different types of protective gear to see if a new mobile system is better for their health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06506968 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to quantify the ergonomic risks faced by operators in the cardiac catheterization laboratory when using traditional protective equipment compared to a mobile protection system. Participants will wear various sensors, including IMU, EMG, and radiation sensors, to monitor their body posture, muscle activity, and radiation exposure during catheterization procedures. The study will also involve baseline discomfort surveys to gather comprehensive data on the operators' experiences. The goal is to identify the mean time spent in high-risk ergonomic positions during these procedures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include any staff member actively participating in procedures at the BWH cardiac catheterization laboratory, such as interventional cardiologists, fellows, nurses, and technologists.
Not a fit: Patients who are not actively involved in the cardiac catheterization procedures or unable to wear the required sensors will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved ergonomic practices and reduced injury risk for healthcare professionals in cardiac catheterization labs.
How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach may be novel, similar studies focusing on ergonomics in medical settings have shown promising results in improving safety and reducing injuries.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Any member of the BWH cardiac catheterization laboratory who participates in procedures including: * faculty interventional cardiologists and trainees * general cardiology fellows * residents * physician assistants * nurses * circulating and monitoring technologists * Physically able and willing to wear the sensors required for data collection in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Interventionalists not actively participating in the BWH Cardiac Catheterization Lab * Not able or willing to wear the necessary sensors
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ajar Kochar — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ajar Kochar
- Email: akochar@bwh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 857-307-4000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.