Fatigue, sleep deprivation and patient safety (PSNet, 7 September 2019)

Summary

This primer article by the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHQR) looks at the impact of fatigue and sleep deprivation on patient safety. Fatigue is the feeling of tiredness and decreased energy that results from inadequate sleep time or poor quality of sleep. Fatigue can also result from increased work intensity or long work hours. The article outlines the current context for discussions in the US around mitigating the potential risks of sleep deprivation among healthcare workers, highlighting measures that can be put in place by healthcare organisations including employing optimal practices for scheduling, planned napping and ensuring appropriate spaces are available for rest breaks.