Fatigue amongst anaesthesiology and intensive care trainees in Europe: A matter of concern

Abstract

Background: There is a growing awareness of the effects of fatigue on trainee wellbeing and health. Trainees in anaesthesiology and intensive care work long hours, switching work schedules frequently with insufficient rest. This may have unwanted long-term effects on mental and physical health and emotional well being, resulting in burnout and affecting patient safety.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, severity, causes and effects of work-related fatigue in trainees in anaesthesiology and intensive care.

Design: Online survey of trainees in anaesthesiology and intensive care.

Settings: A total of 31 countries within Europe were included in the survey.

Participants: European anaesthesiology and intensive care trainees who responded to an invitation to take part by electronic mail or through social media.

Main outcome measures: Responses from a 29-item online survey to assess the realities within European countries with regards to work-related fatigue.

Results: One thousand and two hundred trainees from 31 European countries answered the survey demonstrating that an alarming number of trainees were fatigued by their working patterns and night shifts. Trainees reported effects on personal well being, safe commuting and potential for clinical errors. Respondents described a lack of support from hospitals and management for recovery during and after night shifts.

Conclusion: Fatigue among trainees in anaesthesiology and intensive care has a significant impact on their well being and potentially, on the incidence of clinical errors. Current measures from authorities and hospital management are not sufficient to prevent serious fatigue, and therefore a fatigue risk management system should be considered. Failure to address this issue might lead to a further decline in trainees' wellbeing, their capacity to work in the speciality in the future, and potentially increase patient care errors.