Riesgos ergonómicos y psicosociales en la telemedicina para el personal médico.

Abstract

Nowadays, the rise in the number of doctors utilizing telemedicine has led to increased exposure to various occupational risks that can adversely affect their health. This research aims to identify and detail the ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors faced by physicians engaged in telemedicine. To achieve this, an extensive bibliographic review was conducted using several electronic databases, including Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo, and Biblioteca Virtual de salud, which resulted in the inclusion of 18 scientific articles. The findings highlight that the use of poorly designed furniture—such as sofas, cushions, and tables that are inadequate in size and space— contributes to musculoskeletal pain and diminished work performance during telework. Additionally, the use of floor cushions and improper seating can significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing pain. Notably, a lack of a dedicated workspace for remote work correlates with a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal issues. On the psychosocial front, factors contributing to burnout among telemedicine professionals include the improper use of telemedicine tools, technical difficulties, an overwhelming administrative workload, feelings of isolation due to reliance on technology, tight deadlines, workflow disorganization, and inadequate professional training. The primary occupational factors linked to telemedicine involve workplace environment, organizational conditions, and the inherent challenges of technology use. To mitigate these risks, it is essential for institutions to implement ergonomic programs and provide technological training for healthcare professionals, thereby helping to prevent health issues associated with telemedicine work.