Medical student perception of night call in a night float system

Because of work hour regulations, many surgical residency programs have moved to a night float system. Previously, our medical students took call for 24 hours, whereas currently they also follow a night float system. This study looked at their evaluations of these 2 systems.

Students were anonymously surveyed to evaluate the rotation (on a 5-point scale) as well as various components including night call. Responses from each group were compared.

There were 104 students included: 46 in the traditional 24-hour call group and 58 in the night float group. Students rated night call significantly higher in the night float system (4.62 ± .64 vs 3.52 ± 1.00, P < .001). There was no difference in the other components or the overall evaluation.

After switching to a night float system, students had a much more positive perception of their night call experience. We believe more clerkships should switch to a night float system.