The improvement of workstation for reducing ergonomic risks in drug dispensing task among pharmacist at a hospital, Chonburi Province
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Abstract
Pharmacists' medication dispensing work carries ergonomic risks due to working postures that may adversely affect the musculoskeletal system. This study aimed to improve the medication dispensing workstation in the outpatient pharmacy and compare the ergonomic risks before and after the improvement. A quasi-experimental research design was employed. The sample consisted of 10 voluntary participants selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. Data were collected using general information questionnaires, the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) to evaluate upper body ergonomic risks, and electromyography devices. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results revealed that after improving the workstation, the ergonomic risk—specifically the inappropriate working posture of the right upper body as assessed by RULA—significantly decreased from very high risk to moderate risk at the 0.05 significance level. However, the RULA assessment for the left side did not show a significant change (P < .08). The percentage of maximum muscle contraction significantly decreased for the right anterior deltoid (P < .05), left anterior deltoid (P < .05), right middle deltoid (P < .05), left middle deltoid (P < .05), right biceps brachii (P < .05), left biceps brachii (P < .05), right upper trapezius (P < .05), and left upper trapezius (P < .05). In conclusion, the study indicates that improving the workstation according to ergonomic principles can effectively reduce ergonomic risks for dispensing personnel. It is recommended that this approach be used as a guideline for designing other workstations in the future.
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References
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