Ergonomics is a study of the interaction of the worker and his or her work environment. With the constant development of technology nowadays, there are more people engaged in labor depending on computers. An essential group of medical workers as surgeons, according to Catanzarite et al. (2017), also have a variety of ergonomic changes in the operating room. The ergonomic program is a systematic process for predicting, recognizing, analyzing, and controlling work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). To follow the effectiveness of these programs, they should be monitored, evaluated, and checked for the achievement of planned goals.
Evaluation is a step that needs to follow the whole program and provide information about the progress. Between inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts, a causal connection should be found. Inputs are resources such as funding, technology, equipment, facilities, personnel, and clients. Process evaluation starts with the first implementation of the action aimed in the program. Output evaluation is the achievement of one crucial goal set by the program. The outcome evaluation is showing the results of the program. Long-term impact evaluation can show the prolonged results and effectiveness of the program.
Monitoring the progress of the work should be divided into qualitative and quantitative tools. Qualitative instruments such as focus groups or in-depth interviews are a cheap way of monitoring the process and can provide information on why an intervention may or may not have worked. Quantitative implements such as randomized controlled trials, controlled before-after studies, and before-after studies with no controlled group are usually more expensive but provide the most precise evidence.
Ergonomic problem health can prevent and reduce the number and severity of work-related musculoskeletal hazards and improve the environment at the job place. The evaluation of the Rochester University (2020) shows that due to their program, the number of jobs in which ergonomic disorders have been controlled significantly increased. Evaluation, monitoring progress and achievement of planned goals can help make these programs more efficient and resultative.
References
Catanzarite, T., Tan-Kim, J., Whitcomb, E.L., & Menefee, S. (2017). Ergonomics in surgery. Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, 24(1), 1-12.
The Occupational Safety Unit of Environmental Health & Safety. (2020). Ergonomics program of Rochester University.