Alternative PACS interface devices are well-accepted and may reduce radiologist's musculoskeletal discomfort as compared to keyboard-mouse-recording device.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of two alternative picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) interface devices (a graphics tablet and a handheld controller) in clinical practice and on task-oriented exercises.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eleven senior radiologists were prospectively evaluated. The participants used the two tested interface devices for 10 working periods each and answered a questionnaire to evaluate the ergonomics of this experience. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort with the standard PACS interface set (mouse-keyboard-recording device) and these two devices was assessed. Exercises evaluating image scrolling and selection, image zooming and panning, image windowing, performing measurements, and reporting were performed with the standard PACS interface set and with the two tested devices. The sitting posture and hand position were evaluated.

RESULTS

The general appreciation of the two alternative interface devices was considered to be similar to that of the standard interface set. The ergonomics of the handheld controller was considered to be slightly better than that of the standard interface set. The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort was 81%, 45%, and 18% for the standard interface set, graphics tablet, and handheld controller, respectively. With the graphics tablet and the handheld controller in 45% and 60%, respectively, there was a working posture change with respect to the standard interface set. The mean total exercise completion times of both tested devices were 27% higher than that of the standard interface set.

CONCLUSION

Despite the increase in completion time of the task-oriented exercises, the tested devices were well accepted and considered to be more comfortable than the standard set.

KEY POINTS

• Alternative PACS interface devices can be used as a substitute for the standard mouse-keyboard-recording device set with a potential improvement in work ergonomics and a reduction in work-related musculoskeletal discomfort.