fatigued worker

As the IOM acknowledges, "To err is human." However, research has shown that certain factors can increase the error rate (Reason, 1990):

Fatigue. - Fatigue and exhaustion degree the performance of the medical worker. Working a double shift, for example, can increase the likelihood of errors. Medical residents on call for 24 hours or more are also at high risk for errors.

Research shows how such system-based changes as reducing the work hours of medical personnel can reduce the error rate in hospitals (Landrigan et al., 2004).


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