RSNA 2025

Can Changing a Mouse Improve Radiologists' Efficiency?

Reference Page & Resources

This page contains reflective questions to help you evaluate your input device needs, references from the presentation, and downloadable slides.

Reflective Questions

Consider these questions as you evaluate input device options for your practice

0 of 10 questions considered

User Factors

2 questions
1 Where do you feel the most strain related to mousing?

Consider areas like your wrist, forearm, shoulder, or fingers. Note when during your shift the strain is most noticeable.

2 What is your default mouse grip?

Common grips include palm grip (whole hand on mouse), claw grip (arched fingers), and fingertip grip (only fingertips touch). Your grip style affects which ergonomic mice will feel most natural.

Task Requirements

5 questions
3 What mousing actions do you perform most frequently?

Think about scrolling, clicking, dragging for measurements, windowing, or navigating between studies. Which actions dominate your workflow?

4 Which mousing actions specifically cause pain?

Identify if specific movements like clicking, scrolling, or repetitive dragging contribute to discomfort. This helps target which functions to optimize.

5 Do you use windowing presets? If so, how many?

Windowing presets can be mapped to mouse buttons for quick access. Knowing how many you use regularly helps determine button requirements.

6 How often do you look at the keyboard or right click menu to perform actions that could be mapped to mouse buttons?

Each time you shift focus from the screen to the keyboard or navigate menus, you lose time and mental context. These are opportunities for mouse button mapping.

Environment Considerations

3 questions
7 Does your institution allow installation of software for programming mouse buttons, or do you need to use onboard memory?

IT policies vary. Some mice store profiles in onboard memory, working without software installation. This is crucial for locked-down hospital systems.

8 Does your institution allow installation or use of portable automation software?

Portable apps can run from USB drives without installation. Tools like AutoHotkey Portable can enable advanced macros even on restricted systems.

9 Do you work at a consistent workstation or rotate between multiple locations?

If you rotate workstations, a portable mouse with onboard memory profiles ensures your customizations travel with you. Wireless options may also be preferred.

Save Your Reflections

Download your notes and responses to review later or share with colleagues evaluating input device options.

References

Sources and further reading from the presentation

  1. 1. RSNA News (Jan 2024) – "Proper Workplace Ergonomics Can Help Radiologists Stay Productive and Pain Free" – Melissa Silverberg. Highlights RSI prevalence in radiologists, noting over 50% suffer RSI from suboptimal work setups. Describes injuries like "radiologist's elbow" and suggests solutions including vertical mice and better input devices.
    rsna.org/news/2024/january/ergonomics-for-radiologists
  2. 2. Health Imaging (Aug 2017) – "3 Ways Radiologists Can Fend Off Repetitive Stress Injury" – Dave Pearson. Summarizes ACR Commission on Human Resources report about ergonomic challenges. Notes radiologists use mice much more than keyboards compared to other workers. Key recommendations include arranging reading rooms properly, using thin/flat devices, and minimizing long cursor movements.
    healthimaging.com/.../3-ways-radiologists-can-fend-repetitive
  3. 3. Double Black Imaging Blog (Feb 2020) – "Reducing Repetitive Strain/Stress Injuries in Radiology Suites" – Tara Neill. References NIH survey where 70% of radiologists reported RSI symptoms and 42% had a diagnosed RSI. Shares results from Dr. Mansi Saksena at MGH: radiologists averaged 826 clicks per day vs. secretaries' 1150.
    doubleblackimaging.com/.../reducing-repetitive-strain-injuries
  4. 4. Radiology Business (Apr 2021) – "Radiologist logs 1.37 mouse miles and nearly 11,000 keystrokes during a single shift" – Marty Stempniak. Reports on a Swiss study where a radiologist moved the mouse 1.37 miles and made 10,778 keystrokes in 8 hours. Authors argue these patterns indicate a need for more advanced input devices.
    radiologybusiness.com/.../radiologist-mouse-miles-keystrokes-single
  5. 5. BenWhite.com Blog – "The Best Radiology Setup/Workstation Equipment" – Ben White, MD. Advocates for vertical mice for wrist pain, noting the handshake position reduces pronation. Recommends Logitech MX Vertical for feel, Zelotes C18 vertical gaming mouse for buttons and onboard memory, and Logitech G604 for ~15 programmable buttons.
    benwhite.com/radiology/the-best-radiology-setup-workstation-equipment
  6. 6. BenWhite.com Blog – "AutoHotkey for Radiology" – Ben White, MD. Introduces AutoHotkey (AHK) scripting for radiologists – free macro software that automates tedious, repetitive tasks. Provides step-by-step guidance and examples of radiology-useful macros including hands-free microphone control and report templates.
    benwhite.com/radiology/autohotkey-for-radiology
  7. 7. Radiographics (Jan 2020) – "Learning from Gamers: Integrating Alternative Input Devices and AutoHotkey Scripts to Simplify Repetitive Tasks and Improve Workflow" – Grigorian A, et al. Demonstrates that using gaming mice, programmable keypads, and foot pedals with AutoHotkey allows personalization of reading workflow and reduces time on repetitive operations. DOI: 10.1148/rg.2020190077
    pubs.rsna.org/doi/full/10.1148/rg.2020190077
  8. 8. Academic Radiology (Sep 2022) – "Role of Ergonomic Improvements in Decreasing Repetitive Stress Injuries and Promoting Well-Being in a Radiology Department" – Horowitz JM, et al. After implementing ergonomic changes (adjustable chairs, monitor positioning, input device updates), 83% of radiologists reported improved well-being at work. DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2021.11.009
    pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34953728
  9. 9. RSNA 2023 Education Exhibit – "Improving Workstation Ergonomics and Productivity with Input Devices: Saving Time and Your Wrists" – Venugopal N, et al. Discusses biomechanics and ergonomic factors that benefit from alternative input devices, especially those used by online gamers.
    dailybulletin.rsna.org/db23/index.cfm?pg=23thu10
  10. 10. Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology (2023) – "Quick Guide: Programming a Gaming Mouse for PACS to Optimize Radiology Workflow" – Venugopal N, Bhargava P, et al. High-performance gaming mice offer multiple custom buttons and superior tracking that can streamline radiology tasks and substantially enhance efficiency.
    pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37783619

Presentation Slides

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