Shiftwork impacts and adaptation among health care workers

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Healthcare Management
• Sleep Science

Background:

• Shiftwork in healthcare poses risks to employee and patient safety and well-being.
• Understanding shiftwork's impact is crucial for improving healthcare environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize attitudes, behaviors, symptoms, and coping mechanisms related to shiftwork among healthcare professionals.
• To identify predictors of successful shiftwork adaptation using validated questionnaires.

Main Methods:

• 376 healthcare workers were surveyed using the Standard Shiftwork Index and Pressure Management Indicator.
• Participants were categorized by work schedule (day, evening, rotating, night, relief/combined).
• Statistical analyses (principal components analysis, logistic regression) identified factors influencing adaptation.

Main Results:

• Night and relief/combined shift workers reported better accommodation of irregular schedules but more work-related impacts.
• Permanent night workers showed poorer health, higher absenteeism, and lower job satisfaction.
• Factors for optimal adaptation included adequate sleep, evening circadian preference, age, and organizational satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Shiftwork adaptation programs should focus on sleep optimization (timing, duration), exercise, and overall health.
• Improving organizational satisfaction is key to enhancing healthcare workers' contentment with their schedules.