The eighty-hour workweek: surgical attendings' perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Resident Work Hours

Background:

• The implementation of the 80-hour workweek in 2008 marked a significant shift in surgical resident education.
• This study addresses the impact of these duty-hour restrictions on resident performance and attitudes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate attending surgeon perceptions of surgical resident attitudes and performance before and after the implementation of duty-hour restrictions.
• To compare the perceived differences between residents trained under the 80-hour workweek and those not subject to these restrictions.

Main Methods:

• An electronic survey was distributed to surgical teaching institutions in North Carolina.
• Surveys collected data on surgeon and hospital characteristics.
• The survey assessed resident attitudes and performance pre- and post-work-hour restriction implementation.

Main Results:

• 92% of respondents noted differences between restricted residents (RRs) and non-restricted residents (NRRs).
• Attending surgeons perceived negative changes in RRs' work ethic, technical skills, decision-making, and patient ownership.
• Most surgeons expressed less trust in RRs' patient care abilities and confidence in their independent operative skills.

Conclusions:

• Surgical educators perceive significant differences between RRs and NRRs, primarily attributed to work-hour restrictions and resident work ethic.
• RRs are perceived to have a lower work ethic and less developed skills.
• Further research is necessary to address these perceived deficits in resident training and performance.