Life after 80 hours: The impact of resident work hours mandales on trauma and emergency experience and work effort for senior residents and faculty

Mark A. Malangoni, John J. Como, Charlene Mancuso, Charles J. Yowler, Paul R G Cunningham, Anthony A. Meyer, James Tyburski, Erwin R. Thal, Christopher C. Baker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of work hours mandates on (1) senior resident patient exposure and operating experience in trauma and emergency surgery and (2) faculty work effort. Methods: We measured resident and faculty work on the trauma and emergency surgery services at our Level I trauma center during two comparable 6-month periods. Period 1 (July 1-December 31, 2002) had no call restrictions, separate trauma and emergency service resident call, and some overlap of faculty call responsibilities. Period 2 (July 1-December 31, 2003) had resident work hours compliance and complete integration of resident and faculty trauma and emergency call. Work hours were measured by surveys for faculty and residents. All data were collected prospectively. Results: Resident exposure to trauma patients was similar during both time periods. Emergency surgery admissions declined during period 2; however, intensive care unit admissions increased. The number of operations performed by senior residents did not change; however, there was a shift in the median number of emergency surgery cases to more senior residents. Faculty work hours increased slightly despite a decrease in faculty call. Conclusion: Work hours compliance resulted in a 50% reduction in senior resident call and a 19% decrease in their work hours with no significant change in trauma/emergency patient care exposure or operative case load. Service call amalgamation reduced faculty call by 21% but did not result in a corresponding change in work hours or productivity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)758-762
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care
Volume58
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2005

Keywords

  • Faculty
  • Surgery education
  • Workload

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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