Med school faculty fret over cutting resident hours

While it's becoming clear that overtaxed, sleep-deprived interns are a hazard, professors in U.S. medical schools seem convinced long resident shifts are important.

A new Mayo Clinic survey has found that of 111 faculty members at 39 U.S. internal medicine programs, 87 percent feared that cutting hours would negatively impact the continuity of patient care. Sixty-six percent contended residents' communication with patients and families would get worse, and 40 percent felt fewer hours would reduce quality of care.

At the same time, 81 percent of professors felt cutting back trainee hours would improve their well-being, and 85 percent said the residents would be less tired. Go figure.

To learn more about the survey:
- read this United Press International item

Related Articles:
Cutting resident hours could cost big bucks. Report
Long hospital shifts boost mistakes. Report
Lawmakers want study of doc hours, error rates. Report

Post a comment