Human factors and ergonomics in the operating room

Human Factors/Ergonomics is the application of psychology and physiology for the purpose of designing products, processes, and systems with the purpose of increasing safety and comfort for the human that interacts within the product, process, or system and is divided into physical, cognitive, and organizational ergonomics. This chapter briefly summarizes human factors to include cognitive and organizational ergonomics while focusing mostly on addressing physical ergonomics in the operating room. Physical pain and discomfort among surgeons and other operating room personnel is a common finding. Proper ergonomics in the workplace can prevent injury as well as stimulate employee morale, performance, and job satisfaction. Some relatively easy ergonomic fixes include appropriate equipment positioning, visual considerations and equipment design.