Impact of Extended-Duration Shifts on Medical Errors
Author Information
Author(s): Barger Laura K, Ayas Najib T, Cade Brian E, Cronin John W, Rosner Bernard, Speizer Frank E, Czeisler Charles A
Primary Institution: Brigham and Women's Hospital
Hypothesis
Are residents' extended shifts associated with adverse events?
Conclusion
Extended-duration work shifts were associated with an increased risk of significant medical errors, adverse events, and attentional failures in interns across the United States.
Supporting Evidence
- Interns working extended shifts reported 3.5 times more significant medical errors.
- Fatigue-related preventable adverse events increased by 300% for interns working five or more extended shifts.
- Interns reported falling asleep during lectures 70% of the time when working five or more extended shifts.
Takeaway
When medical interns work long shifts, they are more likely to make mistakes and have accidents, which can hurt patients.
Methodology
A Web-based survey was conducted where 2,737 interns reported on their work hours and medical errors over several months.
Potential Biases
Potential reporting bias as participants may have been more responsible and thus more likely to report errors.
Limitations
The study may not represent all interns, as participants were self-selected and relied on self-reported data.
Participant Demographics
53% female, 47% male, mean age 28 years, with 85% graduating from US medical schools.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 3.3–3.7 for 1-4 shifts; 95% CI, 7.2–7.8 for 5 or more shifts.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website