The idea of ergonomics is concerned with how people interact with objects and respond to processes. Ergonomic design can be found everywhere, including the electronic gadgets we use, the cars we drive, and the furniture we sit on.
It’s all about making things more intuitive, accessible, and easier to use.
When it comes to the design and development of surgical instruments, ergonomics becomes even more important. It goes beyond mere comfort and accessibility and begins to affect patient welfare and outcomes and the ability of the surgeon to effectively carry out their work.
Let’s take a look at the factors ergonomics can influence when it comes to surgical instrument design and discuss why they are so important.
Table of Contents
Ease of Use
Surgery is extremely complex, and surgeons are under a lot of pressure while doing their job. For this reason, it is essential that surgical tools are easy to use while still safe and effective.
If a tool is too difficult to handle or requires an unreasonable level of strength or dexterity, it is unlikely that surgeons will be able to perform operations successfully.
Surgical instruments need to be easy to use and accessible for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or body type.
However, this should never come at the expense of their function, they should always be able to perform their intended task accurately and efficiently.
The ideal ergonomic surgical tool is both easy to use and offers improved functionality. The perfect example of this is the self-retaining medical retractors from June Medical.
These advanced retractors are easier to use and do not require manual operation. Or indeed another pair of hands to hold them in place, leaving the surgeon free to perform their work more effectively.
Error Reduction
At the end of the day, surgeons are still human, and mistakes are often unavoidable. However, there are few other professions in which errors can carry such grave consequences.
Surgical instruments must be accurate and functional while also able to significantly prevent and reduce the frequency of errors.
This is where ergonomics comes in. Ergonomically designed surgical tools are dexterous, lightweight, and durable, key attributes that make them more efficient, more effective, and less likely to cause mistakes or errors.
Patient Welfare
Patient welfare is the most important thing. Surgery can be an extremely traumatic experience that requires a long recovery period.
There are various different theories and philosophies as to how to promote more rapid post-surgery recovery, including eating an improved diet and even spending time with pets.
However, one of the effective ways to promote greater patient welfare and recovery is by improving the surgery process itself.
By using ergonomically designed surgical instruments, procedures are less invasive and less traumatic for patients.
They do less harm to the body which means patients can then recover faster.
Conclusion
Surgical ergonomics is the process of designing and manufacturing surgical instruments that are easy to use, dexterous, durable, and functional.
These instruments reduce the chance of errors occurring and can improve patient welfare and recovery rates.
Surgical ergonomics is an incredibly important field that will continue to shape the industry as new techniques and tools are developed.
