Hyatt & Weber, P.A.

Unfortunately, fatigue among doctors and nurses is a real patient safety issue. As Maryland medical malpractice attorneys, we are concerned by a recent alert published by the Joint Commission warning that drowsy health professionals are more likely to commit medical errors than those who are well-rested.

The Link Between Fatigue and Medical Errors

Research shows that lack of sleep can lead to medical errors. A 2004 study of nurse fatigue and patient safety—the first of its kind—showed that nurses who work shifts of 12.5 hours or longer are three times more likely to make an error in patient care. Subsequent research has confirmed that longer shift length increases the risk of medical errors and close calls and is associated with decreased vigilance.

“An overwhelming number of studies keep saying the same thing – once you pass a certain point, the risk of mistakes increases significantly,” says Ann Rogers, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, a nationally renowned sleep medicine expert with Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. “We have been slow to accept that we have physical limits and biologically we are not built to do the things we are trying to do.”

Extended duration work shifts also significantly increase fatigue and impair performance and safety. According to an article in the November 2007 Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, residents who work traditional schedules with recurrent 24-hour shifts:

• Make 36 percent more serious preventable adverse events than individuals who work no more than 16 consecutive hours.
• Make five times as many serious diagnostic errors.
• Have twice as many on-the-job attentional failures at night.
• Experience a 1.5 to 2 standard deviation deterioration in performance relative to baseline rested performance on both clinical and non-clinical tasks.
• Report making 300 percent more fatigue-related preventable adverse events that led to a patient’s death.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Fatigue-Related Medical Errors?

The Joint Commission alert suggests several steps providers can take to lower the risk of harm. It directs organizations to assess their fatigue-related risks and a review of staffing and other relevant policies to ensure they address extended work shifts and hours. Since patient hand-offs are a time of high-risk – especially for fatigued staff – organizations should assess hand-off processes and procedures to ensure that they adequately protect patients. In addition, the Joint Commission suggests organizations create and implement a fatigue management plan that includes scientific strategies for fighting fatigue.

How We Can Help

Maryland medical malpractice actions are often complicated. Therefore, it is important to have the assistance of a skilled and experienced attorney by your side.

If you believe that you may have suffered from medical malpractice, it is important to speak with an attorney who specializes in this area as soon as possible. Upon meeting with a medical malpractice attorney, you will be asked to explain what happened in as much detail as possible. It is helpful to bring a copy of your medical records as well. The attorney will then be able to discuss your legal options with you.

The personal injury attorneys of Hyatt & Weber, P.A. understand the potentially devastating impact of a serious accident or medical mistake. If you or someone you love has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. Our Maryland personal injury attorneys are experienced and dedicated to pursuing the compensation you deserve.

To better understand your rights, contact us today.