[The impact of shift work: did hard work ever kill anyone?]

Abstract

An increasing body of evidence suggests that complaints of fatigue among healthcare staff is widespread and rising, owing to a combination of high work intensity, understaffed workplace and nightshift working. This has been linked to poorer outcomes for patients and to increased risks of injuries for practitioners. Fatiguedecreases performance andphysicalandmentalwellbeing. Moreover, it can lead to sickness absence. What lies behind this culture, behaviour and what are possible solutions to this? A committee called I'm Safe, assigned by the Dutch Association of Anaesthesiology, will address these issues, raise awareness and inform physicians about the impact of shift working. Its aim is to provide tools on where changes can be made in order to create a healthier work environment.