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. 2021 Jul;10(3):e001403.
doi: 10.1136/bmjoq-2021-001403.

Constructing high-quality rest facilities to maximise performance and ensure patient safety

Geeth Silva  1 , Aiken Yam  2 , Jessica Court  3 , Rabia Imtiaz  4 , Cath Chisholm  5
Affiliations

Constructing high-quality rest facilities to maximise performance and ensure patient safety

Geeth Silva et al. BMJ Open Qual. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: Junior doctors are working in an increasingly overstretched National Health Service. In 2018, Kettering General Hospital (KGH) was awarded £60 800 of government funds to create high-quality rest facilities and improve junior doctor well-being.

Methods: An audit and survey in KGH identified the structural and functional improvements needed. From November 2019 to June 2020, £47 841.24 was spent on creating new rest facilities. On completion, a postaction review assessed how the changes impacted morale, well-being and quality of patient care.

Results: The majority of doctors were happy with the new rest areas (60%), a majority felt that they would use the on-call room area (63%) and the renovation improved morale and well-being. There was an increased ability to take breaks. However, the majority of doctors are not exception-reporting missing breaks: 79% (2019), 74% (2020).

Conclusions and implications: This report recommends the maintenance of increased staffing levels and rest facilities during the recovery phase of COVID-19. The remaining £12 958.76 should be directed at sustaining the quality of KGH rest facilities. Lastly, the rate of exception-reporting must be increased through improving awareness, exploring alternative methods and supporting the action when necessary. The continual investment into rest facilities ensures workforce well-being and translates into patient safety.

Keywords: Clinical Governance; Fatigue; Human factors; Leadership; Management.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Timeline of the project. JDF, junior doctor forum.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(A) Pictures of KGH Rest Facilities before the renovation investment. (B) Pictures of KGH rest facilities after the renovation investment. KGH, Kettering General Hospital.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Ability to take breaks in 2019 and 2020.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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