Research article

Toward a more comfortable profession – disseminating ergonomics information to Australian optometrists

Long J. Burgess-Limerick R. Stapleton F.
Ergonomics Australia 2011, 7:1 (29 July 2011)

Abstract

Background and aim: Work-related physical discomfort occurs in optometrists. The purpose of this paper is to explore how optometrists prefer to obtain information to assist their physical comfort at work.Methods: Sixty Australian optometrists working in clinical practice were interviewed as part of a larger study investigating work-related discomfort in the profession. Optometrists with (n=47) and without (n=13) self-reported physical discomfort participated. The results were subject to thematic (qualitative) and chi-square analysis.Results: Sixty percent of interviewees obtained information to assist their comfort at work. There was no relationship between self-reported discomfort and accessing information to assist comfort (chi-squared analysis). The majority of participants reported they would read unsolicited written material (92%), access an internet link (81%), attend a single stream (90%) or multi-stream (31%) conference presentation on this topic. Those in favour of this as a conference presentation were either searching for a solution to their own discomfort or wished to see more diverse topics offered at conferences.Conclusions: Optometrists in clinical practice acquire information to assist their physical comfort at work by both passive and active methods. Guidelines for reducing work-related discomfort should be first reviewed by optometrists to ensure their relevance and disseminated via multiple communication channels to cater for different learning styles. Guidelines should also be introduced during the optometry training program to ensure that future members of the profession develop good working habits.

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