Gender effects on musculoskeletal symptoms among physician computer users in outpatient diagnostic clinics
A survey of computer use patterns among 179 physicians within multiple outpatient diagnostic clinics of a major healthcare system in the USA showed significant gender effects. A majority of physicians reported daily use of a desk mounted computer. Female physicians spent more time using a computer, were more likely to adjust the keyboard, but felt less familiar with the adjustability features. Over half of respondents reported upper body musculoskeletal discomfort. Female physicians experienced more frequent neck, shoulder, upper back and right hand musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms which seem to relate to their hours of computer use. Implications for the increased use of computers in healthcare are described. Copyright 2012 by Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Inc. All rights reserved.
