Most Ohio residents can likely relate to feeling the ill-effects of not getting enough sleep. Even mild sleep deprivation has been shown to negatively impact an individual's ability to concentrate, problem-solve and react quickly. These types of skills are critical for those within the medical profession, especially doctors.
In recent years, many within the health care industry have called for stricter guidelines related to the number of consecutive hours resident doctors are allowed to work. Current rules dictate that residents are allowed to work a maximum of 16 consecutive hours. This number compares to previous guidelines that allowed residents to work up to 30 consecutive hours.
The researchers of one study determined that medical residents who worked shifts totaling 24 to 30 consecutive hours were roughly 30 percent more likely to make a serious medical error. Additionally, these residents were 50 percent more likely to fall asleep while working an overnight shift.
The adverse effects of fatigue and sleep deprivation impact not only residents, but also the patients with whom they are entrusted to care. While some contend it's important for residents to be subjected to working situations similar to what they'll likely encounter during their medical career, others believe shorter work shift limits are in line with a changing medical culture.
Today, many doctors choose to specialize in specific medical fields. As such, most patients are routinely seen and evaluated by rotating teams of specialists making the likelihood that any one doctor will be on call during a patient's entire hospital stay highly unlikely.
There is little doubt that fatigue plays a factor in an increase in medical errors. Ohio residents who have been adversely impacted by a medical error may choose to contact a legal professional who can advise on whether a medical malpractice lawsuit is appropriate.
Our law firm helps patients who have been harmed or injured as a result of medical errors. Our legal professionals advise patients on matters related to medical malpractice and negligence.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, "Should Medical Residents Be Required to Work Shorter Shifts?" Steven W. Lockley, Feb. 18, 2013