Extended-duration work shifts among care workers: a scoping review protocol

Area of Science:

• Healthcare worker well-being
• Occupational health
• Nursing and allied health

Background:

• Existing literature primarily covers 8- or 12-hour shifts, neglecting extended-duration shifts for care workers.
• The impact of extended-duration work shifts (≥16 hours) on care workers and recipients remains under-researched across diverse healthcare settings.
• A comprehensive overview of current evidence on extended-duration shifts is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of empirical studies on extended-duration work shifts among care workers.
• To identify and map the existing body of research concerning extended-duration work shifts in various healthcare environments.
• To highlight gaps in the literature regarding the effects of prolonged shifts on healthcare professionals and patient care.

Main Methods:

• Adherence to Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology.
• Comprehensive literature searches across major databases (PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL) and grey literature.
• Inclusion of empirical studies on extended-duration shifts in diverse care settings (home, community, acute, long-term care), excluding on-call work and intern-focused research.

Main Results:

• The review will synthesize findings on extended-duration work shifts in care settings.
• Results will be presented in tabular and narrative formats.
• Identification of research trends and gaps concerning prolonged work hours for care staff.

Conclusions:

• This review will provide a foundational understanding of research on extended-duration work shifts for care workers.
• Findings are expected to inform future research directions and evidence-based management of work schedules in healthcare.
• The study aims to contribute to improved working conditions and patient safety through better shift policies.