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More Doctor Sleep, Less Patient Mortality

Limiting the hours of medical residents does not negatively affect outcomes in critically ill patients in intensive care units, U.S. researchers said.

In fact, there was a decrease in mortality among intensive care unit patients in both teaching and non-teaching hospitals after work-hour limitations were implemented across the United States in 2003, the study said.

Dr. Meeta Prasad of the University of Pennsylvania said the researchers analyzed in-hospital mortality across 40 institutions, involving more than 230,000 patients, from July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2005. About one-third of the patients were treated in 16 non-teaching hospitals, with the remainder in 24 teaching hospitals.

There was a concern among clinicians and educators that, despite the projected reduction in fatigue-related medical errors, critically ill patients may suffer from the decrease in continuity of care because of shorter shift times, Prasad said.

This is the first study to quantifiably determine that there is no net negative outcome in critically ill patients associated with shorter work hours, and in fact, over time, there may even be a benefit to patient, Prasad said in a statement.

The findings were presented at the American Thoracic Society’s International Conference in Toronto.

(c) YellowBrix 2008

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