René Waurick1, Thomas Weber, Katrin Bröking, Hugo Van Aken. 1. Klinik und Poliklinik für Anästhesiologie und operative Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany. waurick@uni-muenster.de
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: In 2009 the European Working Time Directive limits the weekly working hours to an average of 48 in all European Union member states. The recent published effects on education and patient care are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: In European Union member states with traditional long working hours for hospital doctors the reduced working hours led to a decrease in trainee case loads. A negative effect on patients care is only suspected, but not yet measured. In particular, British anesthetists started a discussion about the required changes in training and assessment to counterbalance the lack of practice. European Surgical Disciplines demand for 48 h working time and 12 h teaching and education time per week for trainees. So far many member states have delayed the implementation of European laws in national laws. SUMMARY: There are less measured clinical facts than political statements published. The actual working time directives in the European Union member states are inconsistent and further political development on this topic across the European Union remains unclear.
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: In 2009 the European Working Time Directive limits the weekly working hours to an average of 48 in all European Union member states. The recent published effects on education and patient care are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: In European Union member states with traditional long working hours for hospital doctors the reduced working hours led to a decrease in trainee case loads. A negative effect on patients care is only suspected, but not yet measured. In particular, British anesthetists started a discussion about the required changes in training and assessment to counterbalance the lack of practice. European Surgical Disciplines demand for 48 h working time and 12 h teaching and education time per week for trainees. So far many member states have delayed the implementation of European laws in national laws. SUMMARY: There are less measured clinical facts than political statements published. The actual working time directives in the European Union member states are inconsistent and further political development on this topic across the European Union remains unclear.
Authors: James Ansell; John Mason; Neil Warren; Peter Donnelly; Neil Hawkes; Sunil Dolwani; Jared Torkington Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2012-05-31 Impact factor: 4.584
Authors: J Maschmann; M Holderried; G Blumenstock; M A Rieger; M Bamberg; P Rosenberger; T Wagner Journal: Anaesthesist Date: 2012-11-09 Impact factor: 1.041
Authors: Rachel Rosenthal; Walter A Gantert; Christian Hamel; Jürg Metzger; Thomas Kocher; Peter Vogelbach; Nicolas Demartines; Dieter Hahnloser Journal: Patient Saf Surg Date: 2008-06-11