Effect of Shift Work in Intensive Care on Attention Disorder in Nurses

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the level of attention between shifts and to make recommendations about the regulation of shifts. Methods:The researchers applied the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Stroop color word interaction test (SCWI) in 72 intensive care workers working in different shifts. Result: The study included a total of 72 participants, including 30 (43.3%) females and 42 (58.3%) males. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in the sub-items of the HAM-D and SCWI test (Table 3). There was a significant elongation in the night shift employees at all times within the SCWI sub-items. A significant height in the number of errors and corrections in the cards applied in the continuation of the test was also determined in the night shift group. Conclusion: This study revealed a significant decrease in the level of attention in the night-shift compared to the day-shift. This increase in attention deficit may also be a preventable cause of increased mortality in the night-shift What is already known about this topic? * Mortality rates in intensive care units are higher than in other clinics. What this paper adds? * Our study reported significantly poor results of the SCWI test in the night-shift compared to the day-shift. The implications of this paper: * This study revealed a significant decrease in the level of attention in the night-shift compared to the day-shift. We believe that it will be beneficial to shorten the shift times, to keep the number of patients per staff at international standards, to set active rest periods and to plan personnel and hours to reduce the lack of attention observed in the night shift. KEYWORDS Attention, healthcare worker, night-shift, intensive care Summary statement What is already known about this topic? Mortality rates in intensive care units are higher than in other clinics.

Effect of shift work on fatigue, reaction time and accuracy of nurses in the Department of Neurology: A cross‐sectional observational study

“…According to the regulations and rules in hospitals and the requirements to provide continuous 24‐h service for patient care, the described work schedule (day–night–evening shift, rest) is a typical schedule in general ward, in hospitals from China. In other departments with special requirements, such as emergency department, intensive care unit or operating room, the work schedule may be different from that in general ward, which is also indicated in previously reported studies (Dönmezdil & Araç, 2021; Esmaily et al, 2021; Kaliyaperumal et al, 2017).…”

“…In addition, it has been well reported that attention and reaction can be greatly impaired by Stroop tests during evening or night shifts (Dönmezdil & Araç, 2021; Esmaily et al, 2021; Kaliyaperumal et al, 2017), and working hours can even last 12 h or more (Dönmezdil & Araç, 2021; Esmaily et al, 2021). In accordance with a previous report, an increase in reaction time was also found after our evening shift, without statistical significance (Esmaily et al, 2021).…”

“…Although without a significant difference, a faster reaction was also seen after day work in another study (Esmaily et al, 2021). Moreover, it was reported that a more regular circadian rhythm and a higher concentration of people in the day shift may result in increased attention because of the greater number of stimuli (Dönmezdil & Araç, 2021). So a faster reaction after the day shift may be attributed to this.…”

“…Up to date, there is growing concern over the impact of shift work on nurses' cognitive and executive performance (Dönmezdil & Araç, 2021; Esmaily et al, 2021; Gan et al, 2021; Guyette et al, 2013; James et al, 2021; Kaliyaperumal et al, 2017; Merchaoui et al, 2017; Rhéaume & Mullen, 2018; Veal et al, 2021; Zion & Shochat, 2018). Some results among these studies are helpful for nurse managers to implement or change specific medical strategies.…”

“…In general, these disorders can be respiratory or cardiac problems that require immediate action. The timely recognition and management of these emergent situations is directly related to the ability of nurses to selectively notice and quickly and accurately react (Dönmezdil & Araç, 2021). Therefore, fatigue, reduced sleep and decreased cognitive or executive performance among nurses working in shifts can increase the potential risk of medical errors, which are harmful to patient safety, and even small errors can be seriously fatal (Merchaoui et al, 2017; St Hilaire et al, 2017; Zion & Shochat, 2019).…”