Alex Bush, Senior Registrar in Upper GI Surgery at Derriford Hospital and research MD student at the University of Plymouth is leading a pioneering study into the physical strain surgeons face in the operating theatre. Supported by the Peninsula Medical Foundation and supervised by Consultant Surgeon Mr David Chan, the project explores how poor posture during lengthy procedures can lead to pain, injury, and even early retirement.
The study uses wearable sensors and video analysis to monitor surgeons’ posture during major operations, assessing ergonomic risks across open, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques. A key aim is to develop AI tools that can evaluate posture using only a simple camera, making ergonomic assessments and training more accessible and cost-effective.
This interdisciplinary project brings together expertise from physiotherapy and computer science, including Dr Dominic Fisher and Dr Vivek Singh at the University of Plymouth. Launching in 2025 at University Hospitals Plymouth, the 12-month study is made possible by PMF funding, which supports the purchase of advanced tools for analysing movement in the demanding surgical environment.
The ultimate goal is to improve surgeon wellbeing and make the operating theatre a safer, more sustainable workplace for future generations.
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