The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology
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Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Oct 2017
Working hours of obstetrics and gynaecology trainees in Australia and New Zealand.
The importance of doctors' working hours has gained significant attention with evidence suggesting long hours and fatigue may compromise the safety and wellbeing of both patients and doctors. This study aims to quantify the working hours of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) specialist trainees in order to better inform discussions of working hours and safety within our region. ⋯ While 53.1 h/week at work is similar to the average Australian hospital doctor, high rates of long days and 24-h shifts with minimal sleep were reported by RANZCOG trainees in this survey.
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Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Oct 2017
Fatigue and training of obstetrics and gynaecology trainees in Australia and New Zealand.
Several studies have linked doctor fatigue with adverse patient events and an increase in risk to doctors' personal safety and wellbeing. The present study assesses the rostering structure of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) trainees and its association with trainees' reported fatigue levels, training opportunities and wellbeing, which were secondary outcomes of a larger study of trainee working hours which has been separately reported. ⋯ Fatigue was frequently reported by RANZCOG trainees with increased working hours and long shifts being significant factors in fatigue levels. Strategies should be developed and trialled to enable trainees to obtain adequate case exposure and teaching without compromising patient and doctor safety.