The pattern and effect of on call work in transplant coordinators in the United Kingdom.

About 75 transplant coordinators are employed in the United Kingdom to ensure the process of organ donation to transplantation. Seventy six per cent of coordinators are drawn from the nursing profession. The participation of coordinators in on call rotas allows service provision to be maintained throughout the 24 hour period. The precise pattern of work and effect on participating individuals of this round the clock service provision have not been previously described. This study aimed to establish the existing pattern of on call rotas and to explore the effects, on health and performance, as perceived by coordinators. The findings revealed that 11% (n = 6) of coordinators were working 1 in 1 rotas and a further 6% (n = 3) a virtual 1 in 1. Where 1 in 2 and 1 in 3 rotas were reported this was at best as respondents also routinely covered a colleagues absence. The main effects of on call work were identified as fatigue and a reduction in performance-occasionally in 79% (n = 42) and frequently in 11% (n = 6) of cases. Findings related to sleep difficulties, meal regularity and quality of off call time suggest a potential for compromised health. These data provide a grounding of knowledge into the effect on health and performance of on call work, in this group of health service workers, warranting further investigation. It is recommended that the frequency of on call work should not exceed 1 in 3 with prospective holiday cover and that options such as a partial shift system and locum cover should be considered.