Impact of Work Hour Requirements on Resident Satisfaction
Author Information
Author(s): Choi Dongseok, Dickey Jamie, Wessel Kristen, Girard Donald E
Primary Institution: Oregon Health & Science University
Hypothesis
How do work hour limitations affect residents' career satisfaction, emotions, and attitudes?
Conclusion
The implementation of work hour limitations negatively impacted the training experience for residents who violated the limits, while having a small positive effect on those who complied.
Supporting Evidence
- Response rates were 56% for the 2002 survey and 72% for the 2004 survey.
- Residents who violated work-hour requirements reported more negative emotions.
- The study included a comprehensive survey of all residents at the institution.
Takeaway
This study found that when doctors in training had to work fewer hours, those who followed the rules felt a bit better, but those who didn't felt worse.
Methodology
A validated survey was used to assess residents' career satisfaction, emotions, and attitudes before and after the implementation of work hour requirements.
Potential Biases
Self-reporting of duty hours may introduce validity concerns.
Limitations
The study was conducted at a single institution, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Residents were graduates from various U.S. allopathic and osteopathic medical schools, as well as some international medical schools.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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