Sleep, activity and fatigue reported by Postgraduate Year 1 residents: a prospective cohort study comparing the effects of night float versus the traditional overnight on-call system

Abstract

The physical activity and amount of sleep of residents on night-float and on-call rota were not significantly different. Residents on night-float reported comparatively higher fatigue and burnout.

Pediatric Resident’s Perception of Night Float System Compared to 24 Hours System, a Prospective Study

“…Our study, showed that NF system had signi cant improvement in these three aspects. Several studies showed the traditional on-call system is associated with loss of sleep and fatigue which is like our study results [2][3]. Furthermore, the 24 hour on-call system shown to negatively affect physical function and memory in our pediatric residents and neurosurgery residents in another study [15].…”

“…In addition, a study suggested minimizing work hours and assigning health care workers to speci c rules in order to prevent physician burnout [16]. Moreover, a survey advised a time off to improve residents' well-being as it showed that long duty hours could cause residents burnout which can cause depression, substance abuse, and suicide attempt [2][3]5].…”

“…Furthermore, an increase in burnout and suicide attempt among physicians. As a result, several countries have established the Night Float (NF) shifts system [2][3][4][5][6].…”

“…In Singapore, the NF system was applied for interns in the internal medicine department for a research study [6]. However, multiple studies have shown controversial results regarding the implementation of the NF shifts system [2]. In this study, we evaluated the experience of pediatric senior residents with the duty hours after implementing the NF system as a pilot project in two pediatric residency training centers in Saudi Arabia and compared it to the traditional 24-hour on-call system in term of effect of their health, education, patients care and safety.…”

Winds of change in medical education in Singapore: what does the future hold?

“…In an attempt to ensure the welfare of residents as well as patient safety in this environment, several institutions have adopted a night float on-call system. The impact of a night float compared Singapore: what does the future hold? with the traditional overnight on-call system has been studied by Low et al (11) in relation to the sleep quality and fatigue rates of residents, with some surprising results. It is clear that we will have to work out a system that protects both patients and trainees from fatigued residents while ensuring optimal clinical training in a complex environment.…”