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Currently submitted to: JMIR Human Factors

Date Submitted: Dec 2, 2025
Open Peer Review Period: Dec 11, 2025 - Feb 5, 2026
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Prevalence of Work-related Pain/Discomfort Among Urologists in the State of Florida: Results from the Florida Urologic Society Task Force (FUSTF) on Ergonomic Challenges Experienced by its Members

  • Justin David; 
  • Austin Hill; 
  • Jared Schommer; 
  • Eric Regele; 
  • Colleen Ball; 
  • Sanoj Punnen; 
  • Joseph Costa; 
  • Adam Ball; 
  • Jamin Brahmbhatt; 
  • David Thiel; 
  • Raymond Pak; 
  • Ram A Pathak

ABSTRACT

Background:

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMRDs) are very prevalent among urologists. Understanding factors associated with increased work pain can help mitigate this discomfort and decrease burnout.

Objective:

To quantify the number of Urologists who reported WRMDs > 25% of the time.

Methods:

The Florida Urological Society Task Force (FUSTF) developed a survey based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire with additional input from Cornell ergonomic studies. MCSRC conducted and distributed the survey to 504 members of the Florida Urological Society in 2023.

Results:

The total response rate was 18.6%. The primary outcome (number of urologists who reported pain > 25% of the time) was 45.3%. 32.4% reported pain associated >25% of the time with endoscopic surgery, 40.0% for major open cases, 20.6% for minor open cases, and 22.7% for robotic cases. 68.8% of respondents attributed their work-related pain to uncomfortable operating positions. 29.9% of respondents chose to ignore their pain.

Conclusions:

The total response rate was 18.6%. The primary outcome (number of urologists who reported pain > 25% of the time) was 45.3%. 32.4% reported pain associated >25% of the time with endoscopic surgery, 40.0% for major open cases, 20.6% for minor open cases, and 22.7% for robotic cases. 68.8% of respondents attributed their work-related pain to uncomfortable operating positions. 29.9% of respondents chose to ignore their pain. Clinical Trial: n/a


 Citation

Please cite as:

David J, Hill A, Schommer J, Regele E, Ball C, Punnen S, Costa J, Ball A, Brahmbhatt J, Thiel D, Pak R, Pathak RA

Prevalence of Work-related Pain/Discomfort Among Urologists in the State of Florida: Results from the Florida Urologic Society Task Force (FUSTF) on Ergonomic Challenges Experienced by its Members

JMIR Preprints. 02/12/2025:88848

DOI: 10.2196/preprints.88848

URL: https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/88848

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