Look around and explore the intersection of ergonomics and veterinary medicine.
What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the science and study of work, and the practice of applying data and theory to optimize human well-being as well as the overall performance of the work system. Ergonomics includes much more than the gadgets that many associate with the term, or keeping a “good posture” while you work.
Ergonomics includes the entire interplay of the work environment, worker, task, and performance. Ergonomics takes into account physical, mental (cognitive and emotional), and organizational factors, as well as the way these factors interact within the work system. Sometimes, the broader field that includes the whole work system is called Human Factors and Ergonomics.
Want to know more about the field of ergonomics? Check out this description by the International Ergonomics Association (IEA).
How does ergonomics relate to veterinary medicine?
Working with animals can be intensely physical work, so physical ergonomics is obviously important throughout veterinary practice. Many veterinarians experience musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) related to their work, and good physical ergonomics could likely improve this situation. But ergonomics is a systems science, so the relationship between ergonomics and veterinary medicine goes far beyond the individual person and their physical workspace.
Organizational ergonomics includes topics such as leadership and work schedules. Responsive leadership, physically and emotionally safe work climates, and humane and fair work scheduling would all fit under organizational ergonomics.
Cognitive ergonomics is best described by IEA as “concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system.” In veterinary medicine, skilled motor performance in procedures (surgery, palpation, dentistry…) fall under the heading of cognitive ergonomics, as does mental workload, decision-making, errors, work stress and job training and learning.