Whilst there is no compelling evidence that restricting physician work hours contributes to improved patient safety in hospitals, such measures do anecdotally reduce risk of accidents involving fatigued and sleep-deprived doctors driving cars or riding push-bikes home after marathon shifts. Sleep deprivation and fatigue leads to reduced concentration and prolonged reaction times. The menace, to themselves and road users, posed by a sleep deprived doctor continues after sign off from long shifts. The intrusion imposed by long and unsociable shifts on a doctor’s, their partner and family’s quality of life impinges on the sustainability of medical careers. Even if enhanced patient safety from work hour restriction is not possible, surely patients would much rather see well rested, more cheerful and happier, doctors.
Rapid Response:
Re: Junior doctors' shifts and sleep deprivation
Whilst there is no compelling evidence that restricting physician work hours contributes to improved patient safety in hospitals, such measures do anecdotally reduce risk of accidents involving fatigued and sleep-deprived doctors driving cars or riding push-bikes home after marathon shifts. Sleep deprivation and fatigue leads to reduced concentration and prolonged reaction times. The menace, to themselves and road users, posed by a sleep deprived doctor continues after sign off from long shifts. The intrusion imposed by long and unsociable shifts on a doctor’s, their partner and family’s quality of life impinges on the sustainability of medical careers. Even if enhanced patient safety from work hour restriction is not possible, surely patients would much rather see well rested, more cheerful and happier, doctors.
Competing interests: No competing interests