Greetings fellow hospital ergonomists and ergo practitioners!

Years ago our ergonomics staff here at Duke created this hospital ergonomics blog but it was not used as much as we had hoped. So we decided to create a new group called "Hospital Ergonomics" on LinkedIn.com to see if that is an easier format for exchanging ideas and information. Please visit http://www.safety.duke.edu/Ergonomics/documents/LinkedInDirections2.docx
for instructions on how to join LinkedIn (if you are not already a member) and how to join the group. We will no longer be using this Blog After September 1.

We hope you will join and look forward to future communications with you!

Thank you,
Tamara

Tamara James
Ergonomics Division Director
Duke University and Health System

FYI: 2010 Guidelines Pt. Handling Assessment for Designing New Healthcare Facilities

http://www.fgiguidelines.org/pdfs/FGI_PHAMA_whitepaper_042810.pdf


Hi All,

Just an FYI:

The Facility Guidelines Institute just published this white paper on Patient Handling and Movement Assessment requirements for new design and construction in healthcare facilities.

One of my project managers recieved it at a recent seminar and I just thought I would share with you.

Thanks,

Alex

Bed and Stretcher Movers...any recommendations?

Hello All,

Has anyone been using a bed and stretcher mover they would recommend?

I knew Ergotug, but they stopped producing them and the only one I'm finding right now is from Gzunda. Do we have any other options?

Thanks to everyone who replied to my request for a force gauge, the info was very helpful!

Alexandra Rella

Recommend a Push/Pull Force Gauge?

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a push/pull force meter? I need the accessories to accomodate various hospital equipment, carts, beds, etc.

I am looking at the dynamometer at Roy Matheson, but I would like to know if anyone here has used one that they are happy with?

thank you!
Alexandra

Medical Office Patient Windows

Hi, I'm looking for some solutions to modifying the glass patient windows in most of our areas. We have heavy, large windows in some areas with no handles and staff are repetitively reaching to open these. Have any of you come up with anything that your Physical Plants can do to make these easier to open?

Thanks!
Valerie

Table for 9 Headed Microscope

The cytology department in my hospital uses a 9 headed microscope that 9 Dr's use simultaneously to examine slides and make reports. The department personnel ranges from the smallest to the tallest. At the table they use the microscopes, type reports and watch a monitor that displays the slides.
The table being used presently is at a fixed height, is narrow and does not allow room for keyboards or lower extremities. I am suggesting simple keyboard trays and ceiling mounted monitor arms. I trialed smaller keyboard trays to increase space but the physicians felt increased strain in their hands.
I am experiencing limitations in designing an adjustable height table because of the requirements of the microscope needing to be very still and stable so I am leaning towards raising the fixed height of the table to suit the tallest and bring the smallest up using chairs and stools.

I am having the same challenges with their 5 headed microscope.

Has anyone had any experience in cytology with this 9 headed microscope and if so, how is the workstation set up?

Thank you,

Alexandra Rella

Large Volume Pipettes

I am working with a lab that uses large volume pipettes (serological pipettes, 50mL) under a lab hood. They asked if I knew of some ergonomic solutions to alleviate the awkward posture created by using the long pipettes underneath the hood. I searched online for different kinds of pipettes with that capacity and didn't find much. Have you encountered this issue in the past? Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!