Transition to a Night Float System in Ophthalmology Residency: Perceptions of Resident Wellness and Performance

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Ophthalmology
• Resident Wellness

Background:

• Traditional call systems in ophthalmology residency can lead to resident burnout and fatigue.
• Evaluating new scheduling models is crucial for improving resident well-being and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a novel night float rotation on resident wellness and performance.
• To compare a night float system with a traditional call system in an ophthalmology residency program.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving ophthalmology residents on a new night float rotation versus a traditional call system.
• Resident and attending physician surveys were used to gather perceptions on the new rotation.
• Analysis of burnout rates, perceived wellness, and clinical performance indicators.

Main Results:

• Residents on the night float rotation reported zero burnout compared to 6 of 11 on the traditional system.
• Most residents supported the night float system, citing reduced burnout, fatigue, and increased nonclinical time.
• No significant differences were found in patient encounters, phone encounters, or average work hours per week.

Conclusions:

• The night float rotation is supported by residents and effectively reduces burnout and increases nonclinical time.
• The new system did not negatively impact perceived clinical performance, knowledge, or enthusiasm.
• This study suggests a night float system as a viable alternative for ophthalmology residency programs seeking to enhance resident well-being.