• Kathlyn E Fletcher, Darcy A Reed, and Vineet M Arora.
• Department of Medicine, Milwaukee VAMC/ Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA. kfletche@mcw.edu
• J Gen Intern Med. 2011 Aug 1; 26 (8): 907919907-19.

ContextThe ACGME-released revisions to the 2003 duty hour standards.ObjectiveTo review the impact of the 2003 duty hour reform as it pertains to resident and patient outcomes.Data SourcesMedline (1989-May 2010), Embase (1989-June 2010), bibliographies, pertinent reviews, and meeting abstracts.Study SelectionWe included studies examining the relationship between the pre- and post-2003 time periods and patient outcomes (mortality, complications, errors), resident education (standardized test scores, clinical experience), and well-being (as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory). We excluded non-US studies.Data ExtractionOne rater used structured data collection forms to abstract data on study design, quality, and outcomes. We synthesized the literature qualitatively and included a meta-analysis of patient mortality.ResultsOf 5,345 studies identified, 60 met eligibility criteria. Twenty-eight studies included an objective outcome related to patients; 10 assessed standardized resident examination scores; 26 assessed resident operative experience. Eight assessed resident burnout. Meta-analysis of the mortality studies revealed a significant improvement in mortality in the post-2003 time period with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 0.9 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.95). These results were significant for medical (OR 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.98) and surgical patients (OR 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.97). However, significant heterogeneity was present (I(2) 83%). Patient complications were more nuanced. Some increased in frequency; others decreased. Outcomes for resident operative experience and standardized knowledge tests varied substantially across studies. Resident well-being improved in most studies.LimitationsMost studies were observational. Not all studies of mortality provided enough information to be included in the meta-analysis. We used unadjusted odds ratios in the meta-analysis; statistical heterogeneity was substantial. Publication bias is possible.ConclusionsSince 2003, patient mortality appears to have improved, although this could be due to secular trends. Resident well-being appears improved. Change in resident educational experience is less clear.

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