AbstractIntroductionWe studied the relationship between registered nurses' extended work duration with adverse events and errors, including needlestick injuries, work-related injuries, patient falls with injury, nosocomial infections, and medication errors.MethodUsing bivariate and multivariate logistic regression, this secondary analysis of 11,516 registered nurses examined nurse characteristics, work hours, and adverse events and errors.ResultsAll of the adverse event and error variables were significantly related to working more than 40hours in the average week. Medication errors and needlestick injuries had the strongest and most consistent relationships with the work hour and voluntary overtime variables.DiscussionThis study confirms prior findings that increased work hours raise the likelihood of adverse events and errors in healthcare, and further found the same relationship with voluntary overtime.Impact on IndustryLegislation has focused on mandatory overtime; however, this study demonstrated that voluntary overtime could also negatively impact nurse and patient safety.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    The effect of work hours on adverse events and errors in health care


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Journal of Safety Research ; 41 , 2 ; 153-162


    Publication date :

    2010-01-01


    Size :

    10 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English





    Underground work during daylight hours

    Northmore, E.R. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1929



    Work-hours in the Maritime Environment

    Wilson, M. B. / Transportation Research Forum | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997


    Body Clocks, Fatigue and Hours of Work

    Folkard, S. / International Shipping Federation | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994