BACKGROUND: Considerable interest and concern have been expressed about junior doctors' hours. This study was carried out to evaluate the emotional and cognitive effects of a weekend on call in a surgical ward. METHODS: Ten surgical house officers were assessed, in counterbalanced design, on four Monday mornings, twice after a weekend off duty and twice after a weekend on call. Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Cognitive Drug Research computerized cognitive assessment system, and emotional state was evaluated by means of the Aberdeen Mood Rating Scale. RESULTS: Following a weekend on call, significant impairment in concentration, speed and power was observed, and the doctors felt less confident, less energetic and more confused. Impaired attention, working memory, long-term memory and confusion were most closely correlated with number of hours worked on Sunday, and tiredness and confusion were related to number of hours slept. CONCLUSION: A weekend on call has significant deleterious effects on cognitive performance and mood. The findings have implications for staffing levels and the design of duty rosters.
BACKGROUND: Considerable interest and concern have been expressed about junior doctors' hours. This study was carried out to evaluate the emotional and cognitive effects of a weekend on call in a surgical ward. METHODS: Ten surgical house officers were assessed, in counterbalanced design, on four Monday mornings, twice after a weekend off duty and twice after a weekend on call. Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Cognitive Drug Research computerized cognitive assessment system, and emotional state was evaluated by means of the Aberdeen Mood Rating Scale. RESULTS: Following a weekend on call, significant impairment in concentration, speed and power was observed, and the doctors felt less confident, less energetic and more confused. Impaired attention, working memory, long-term memory and confusion were most closely correlated with number of hours worked on Sunday, and tiredness and confusion were related to number of hours slept. CONCLUSION: A weekend on call has significant deleterious effects on cognitive performance and mood. The findings have implications for staffing levels and the design of duty rosters.
Authors: Edward J Tanner; Kara C Long; Qin Zhou; Rachel M Brightwell; Ginger J Gardner; Nadeem R Abu-Rustum; Mario M Leitao; Yukio Sonoda; Richard R Barakat; Alexia Iasonos; Dennis S Chi Journal: Gynecol Oncol Date: 2012-04-13 Impact factor: 5.482
Authors: Min Jeong Kim; Won Hyuk Choi; Jin Cheol Cheong; Su Yun Choi; Jong Wan Kim; Jun Ho Park Journal: Medicine (Baltimore) Date: 2021-05-21 Impact factor: 1.817