The Avenue Forward: What Can We Do About Orthopedic Injury and Pain?-Slides: The Leader’s Role in Setting up a Supportive Lab Environment: Equipment, Setup, Protections and Scheduling, Dr. Athar

Slides: The Leader’s Role in Setting up a Supportive Lab Environment: Equipment, Setup, Protections and Scheduling, Dr. Athar

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This presentation by Dr. S. Ahmed Athar outlines the critical leadership role in fostering a supportive, wellness-focused cardiac catheterization lab (CVL) environment, emphasizing injury prevention, self-care, and culture change. The data from the 2023 SCAI Survey reveals that orthopedic injuries and musculoskeletal pain are widespread among CVL operators, with 66% experiencing pain and 60% injuries, increased with caseload and years of work. Similar issues affect cardiothoracic surgeons, with high injury rates and time off work, highlighting the universal nature of these occupational hazards.<br /><br />Key leadership strategies include raising awareness, advocating persistently for staff needs, and leading by example through self-care practices. Practical measures to reduce physical strain include ergonomic adjustments (monitor and table height, left radial access), appropriate lead apron sizing (favoring lightweight two-piece aprons), and use of anti-fatigue mats and lumbar supports. Investment in radiation protection systems such as EggNest, Protego, Radiaction, Rampart, and Zero-Gravity devices can substantially reduce operator radiation exposure and accompanying physical strain, though cost and administrative support remain barriers.<br /><br />Scheduling workflows should prioritize operator wellness by rotating duties, encouraging regular stretching and breaks, and allowing prompt injury management without stigma. Culturally, leaders must identify and break down barriers like siloed work, competing interests, and fear of taking healing time, replacing them with team-based approaches prioritizing staff health and retention.<br /><br />The presentation underscores that orthopedic injuries become more frequent with workload and career longevity, demanding intentional leadership investment in ergonomic equipment, scheduling adjustments, and cultivating a culture that values wellness. Leaders are urged to advocate persistently for resources and adopt proactive practices to sustain a healthy, resilient CVL team.

Keywords

cardiac catheterization lab

leadership role

injury prevention

musculoskeletal pain

ergonomic adjustments

radiation protection systems

operator wellness

work scheduling

culture change

staff retention