Nogah Haramati MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Avital Fast MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Amir Rotlevi, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

A.R.: President of AFC industries

Purpose: To design an ergonomic radiologist softcopy reading cart that is suitable for the entire spectrum of height, weight, visual acuity, presbyopia, myopia and existing spine, shoulder, wrist and forearm pathology.Methods: A musculoksletal radiologist experienced with softcopy reading (NH), physiatrist specializing in spinal conditions and ergonomic issues (AF) and engineering and manufacturing expert (AR) for the core team to design this cart. The existing ergonomic literature was first reviewed and core decisions were made concerning seat height, seat back shape, armrest length, keyboard height and monitor height and positions. Multiple prototypes were then created and placed in an active soft copy environment with frequent surveys performed of the users for the purpose of obtaining feedback. Results: As navigation monitors are often not centrally located, having the keyboard on a large surface rather than a keyboard tray was preferred. Monitors needed to be able to be moved forward and backwards in a ganged fashion. For single user reading the monitors were best positioned in a curve, but for teaching or consulting to a group, the monitors were best positioned in a line. Transitioning between these states must be easy. The Users must be able to read standing or sitting and both the keyboard surface and the monitors need to separately be adjusted for different heights. We found the motorized cart approach to give the highest user satisfaction. Pairing the chair to the station is also critical and the adjustability and comfort setting cannot be over emphasized.Conclusion: An ergonomic radiology reading station requires multiple user adjustable settings. The motorized solution of the cart allowed us the greatest flexibility with the highest user satisfaction.

1. To understand the nature of our ergonomic cart design.2. To understand the importance of the adjustabilities of chair table and monitors.3. To understand the importance of radiologist sitting and standing soft copy reading.

Haramati, N, Fast, A, Rotlevi, A, Ergonomic Radiologist Reading Carts: One Size Must Fit All.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4414176.html