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Work and rest cycles in anesthesia practice
J S Gravenstein1, J B Cooper, F K Orkin
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville.
Anesthesiology
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Anesthesia providers report long work hours and fatigue, with many attributing errors to exhaustion. Further study is needed on fatigue
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Anesthesia providers, including anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), often work demanding schedules.
- Fatigue is a recognized concern in healthcare, potentially impacting patient safety and provider well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the work and rest patterns of anesthesia providers.
- To explore perceptions of safe work limits and the impact of fatigue on performance.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed via newsletter to anesthesiologists, residents, and CRNAs.
- Approximately 3,000 anonymous responses were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Respondents reported mean work weeks ranging from 47.5 to 69.8 hours.
- Many providers perceived working beyond their limits and recalled errors attributed to fatigue.
- Reported continuous anesthesia administration times exceeded perceived safe limits for some providers.
Conclusions:
- Fatigue is a significant issue among anesthesia providers, potentially leading to errors.
- Current work patterns may exceed provider-perceived safety thresholds.
- Further research into fatigue's impact on anesthesia practice is warranted.