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A classification of nursing and midwifery shift systems
J Barton1, E R Spelten, L R Smith
1Shiftwork Research Team, MRC/ESRC Social and Applied Psychology Unit, The University Sheffield, U.K.
International Journal of Nursing Studies
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Researchers classified 122 shift systems for nurses and midwives in large English and Welsh hospitals. The most common system combined flexible day shifts with permanent night shifts, a key finding for future research on nurse well-being.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Workforce Management
- Healthcare Operations Research
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Shift work is prevalent among nurses and midwives in large general hospitals.
- Understanding the diversity of shift systems is crucial for assessing their impact on healthcare professionals.
- Previous classifications of nursing shift patterns are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify shift systems used by nurses and midwives in large hospitals in England and Wales.
- To establish a framework for analyzing the characteristics of different shift patterns.
- To lay the groundwork for research into the health effects of various shift systems.
Main Methods:
- A classification of 122 distinct shift systems was developed.
- Systems were categorized based on rostering flexibility (regular, irregular, flexible).
- Systems were further classified by the speed of rotation between night and day work (permanent night, fast, slow internal rotation).
Main Results:
- Nine distinct categories of shift systems emerged from the classification.
- The most prevalent system was a combination of flexible day shifts and a permanent night shift.
- Variations in shift start times, durations, and the influence of flexible rostering were also noted.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive classification of nursing and midwifery shift systems in large hospitals has been established.
- The flexible day shift with a permanent night shift is the most common arrangement.
- This classification provides a necessary foundation for future research on minimizing the adverse effects of shift work on nurses.