Beyond the bench: Sociotechnical barriers to ergonomic change among interventional cardiology clinicians.

BACKGROUND

In high-volume image-guided procedural suites, clinicians work in constrained spaces requiring frequent twisting, reaching, and bending, contributing to fatigue and long-term musculoskeletal strain.

OBJECTIVE

Within a broader evaluation of an over-the-patient worktable designed to improve procedural posture and reduce physical strain, this qualitative study examined how interventional cardiologists understand physical discomfort as part of their work and professional identity.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine clinicians (1 female) at a quaternary care hospital in the U.S. Midwest, representing early (n = 2), mid- (n = 3), and late-career (n = 4) stages. Sixty hours of ethnographic observation of TAVR procedures and related clinical activities provided contextual insight into workflow, interactions, and ergonomic practices.

FINDINGS: Drawing on structuration theory, we found that physical strain becomes embedded within routines and reinforced through team dynamics, institutional practices, and cultural expectations. Ergonomic improvement requires attention not only to technical design but also to the social organization of procedural work.