Sleepy surgeons: New study shines light on risks of surgeon fatigue

It is surprisingly common for surgical
residents to be fatigued, adding to concerns about how long hours and
nighttime shifts could contribute to serious medical mistakes, a new
study shows.

"This study is the first to quantify resident surgeon fatigue and its
predicted risk for error," said study co-author Dr. Frank McCormick, of
Harvard Combined Orthopedic Residency Program and Massachusetts General
Hospital. "Fatigue levels were higher than anticipated, especially on
the night float rotation."

The results, published in the Archives of Surgery
Monday, state that on average, surgical residents were functioning at
less than 80 percent of their full mental capacity nearly half of the
time they were awake.

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