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Fatigue and fallibility: the perils of prolonged shifts for neonatologists

Journal of Perinatology volume 43, pages 1530–1534 (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

Sleep deprivation is a major challenge for neonatologists, who face increasing demands in the complex healthcare system. Current neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) schedule models often include extended shifts and overnight call, which can lead to sleep deprivation. This lack of sufficient sleep poses adverse health risks to neonatologists and can impair cognitive function, which increases the risk of medical errors and compromises patient safety. This paper proposes reducing shift durations and implementing policies and interventions to reduce fatigue among neonatologists and improve patient safety. The paper also offers policymakers, healthcare leaders, and NICU physicians valuable insights on potential ways to promote the health of the neonatologist workforce and safety in the NICU.

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Fig. 1: Sleep-wake timelines for two neonatologists.

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  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA

    Ryan M. McAdams

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Correspondence to Ryan M. McAdams.

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McAdams, R.M. Fatigue and fallibility: the perils of prolonged shifts for neonatologists. J Perinatol 43, 1530–1534 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-023-01718-0

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