Qamar Mehboob, Waqar Arif, Muhammad Arif, Muhammad Saqlain, Sana Arif, Amina Javaid Malik.
Effects of Working Hours on the Life of Post Graduate Residents and on patient Care.
Annals Punjab Med Coll Jan ;14(1):41-5.

Background: Despite a lot of research regarding postgraduate residents (PGRs) duty hours, its benefits are still controversial. There is a constant need for further evaluation. So, we conducted the present research work to update a systematic review of the literature on duty hour restrictions. Objective: To evaluate the effects of the 80-hour postgraduate trainees work per week, restrictions on patient safety, resident well-being, and resident education. Study Design: Cross-Sectional Survey. Settings: Allied Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan. Duration: One year from, Jan 2018 - Jan 2019. Methodology: A 15 item structured questionnaire based upon 5-point Likert scale was developed. The participants were 130 including males & females. Results: Residents reported per week working hours a mean of 103 +- 0.31, certainly more than 80-hours limit recommended by Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Among all, 78% respondents reported that sleep deprivation had negatively affected their duty. A strong majority of senior PGs (88%), as compared to juniors (72%), believed that work hour limits would have markedly improved effect on patient care and somewhat improve the work life (juniors 69% & seniors 65%). 89% seniors suggested marked improvement in personal life after work hour limits while 55% juniors believed a somewhat improvement. Conclusion: Present PGRs duty hour changes are insufficient to improve resident well-being and have negative effects on patient outcomes and performance. Greater flexibility regarding their training requirements, is the need of the day.

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