Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the physical, biological, chemical, ergonomic, and psychological occupational exposures experienced by anesthesiologists working at such an intense tempo and effects of these exposures on employees1 health.
Methods: A total of 160 anesthesia staff among the 225 (71%) individuals participated in the study. Participants were given a three-part questionnaire, consisting of 42 questions examining sociodemographic characteristics, chronic diseases, and physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychological exposures in the working environment. The anesthesiologists participating in the study were divided
into 2 groups according to their working environment in the hospital: those who work in the operating room (OR) and those who perform anesthesia outside the operating room (NOR).
Results: While 55% and 27% of the OR group suffered from fatigue frequently and sometimes, respectively, 33% and 34% of the NOR group experienced fatigue frequently and sometimes (P = .017). In addition, varicose veins (P = .035) and vertigo (P = .02) complaints were significantly higher in the OR group compared to the NOR group. While the number of people in the OR group who stated that their mental energy was exhausted was significantly higher than the NOR group (P = .013), no significant difference was observed between the groups with regards to their physical energy (P = .15).
Conclusion: The workload and working conditions of anesthesiologists as a whole are quite harsh. Detailed studies regarding workplace environment exposures and prevention from those exposures have great importance on both employee and patient safety.
Cite this article as: Yılmaz AK H, Mazıcan N, Özşahin Y, et al. The effects of the operating room environment on the health of anesthesiologists in a university hospital. Cerrahpaşa Med J. 2021;45(3):185-191.