Fatigue threatens patient safety, report finds

Lack of sleep resulting from long shifts and excessive workloads is jeopardising patient safety, the British Medication Association (BMA) has warned.

The BMA have released a report which highlights how long and demanding hours coupled with changes in rotas and insufficient recovery periods mean thousands of doctors are at an increased risk of sleep deprivation and fatigue.

Fatigue and sleep deprivation - the impact of different working patterns on doctors warned that inadequately rested doctors were at greater risk of making errors in patient care as well as occupational hazards.

The report states that dangers posed by sleep deprivation require the government and employers in the NHS to commit to a comprehensive framework for addressing workplace fatigue.

The BMA has now produced guidance for doctors on managing the risks of fatigue.

Published last June, the BMA’s second quarterly survey of 2017 found that 74 per cent of GPs as well as 70 per cent of junior doctors and 65 per cent of consultants reported working beyond their regular hours ‘often’ or ‘very often’.

In addition to reviewing working patterns in the health service, the BMA is calling for immediate action from ministers and employers in raising awareness of the risks of fatigue in the workplace, as well as providing greater support for staff.

The report advises that the minimisation of fatigue should ultimately become central to future workforce panning.

Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair, said: “Given the enormous pressure that doctors and clinical staff working in the NHS are face, more must be done to address the growing prevalence of fatigue and sleep deprivation owing to the increasing demands being placed on them.

“As well as having a long-term impact on physical and mental health of staff, fatigue and sleep deprivation is linked to higher instances of occupational accidents which places patients at risk.

“This paper highlights the need for reform of working patterns to safeguard doctors and clinical staff against the impact of excessive workloads and the increasing complexity and number of consultations resulting from wider pressures on the NHS such as staff shortages, funding constraints and growing patient demand.

“It is vital that we raise awareness of this issue and make sure that the appropriate support structures and facilities are in place to oversee improvements to long-term workforce planning that will ensure meaningful change for both staff and patients.”