View in EDS

Sleepiness and safety at work among night shift NHS nurses

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Sleepiness and safety at work among night shift NHS nurses
Authors: Westwell, A, Cocco, P, Van Tongeren, M, Murphy, E
Source: Westwell, A, Cocco, P, Van Tongeren, M & Murphy, E 2021, 'Sleepiness and safety at work among night shift NHS nurses', Occupational medicine (Oxford, England), vol. 71, no. 9, pp. 439-445. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqab137
Publisher Information: Oxford University Press (OUP), 2021.
Publication Year: 2021
Subject Terms: 03 medical and health sciences, Cross-Sectional Studies, Sleepiness, 0302 clinical medicine, Surveys and Questionnaires, Work Schedule Tolerance, Humans, Nurses, Disorders of Excessive Somnolence/epidemiology, Disorders of Excessive Somnolence, Wakefulness, State Medicine, 3. Good health
Description: Background Sleepiness associated with night shift working (NSW) is known to adversely affect workers’ health and well-being. It has been associated with adverse safety outcomes and is a recognized workplace hazard among healthcare workers. Aims This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of self-reported sleepiness in NSW nurses and midwives. This study also explored the consequences of sleepiness on safety at work and driving. Methods A cross-sectional study of NSW nurses and midwives was conducted at an National Health Service (NHS) hospital trust from 16 March 2020 to 1 June 2020. Data were collected by online questionnaire and included information on demographics, shift work and safety aspects. Sleepiness was assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results Data collection coincided with the first coronavirus pandemic peak in England. Out of 1985 eligible NSW nurses and midwives, 229 participated in the study, with a response rate of 12%. The prevalence of sleepiness was 28%. Following a night shift, 49% of nurses reported nodding off at the wheel and 44% reported a near-miss car accident in past 12 months. An abnormal ESS score was significantly associated with near-miss car accidents (odds ratio [OR] 2.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31–5.77) and with low confidence in undertaking complex tasks at night (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.20–5.84). Conclusions More than a quarter of NSW nurses and midwives reported excessive daytime sleepiness although, due to the low response rate, this may not be representative. Adverse driving events were common. Elevated ESS scores correlated well with safety issues relating to work and driving.
Document Type: Article
Language: English
ISSN: 1471-8405
0962-7480
DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqab137
Access URL: https://europepmc.org/articles/pmc8574312?pdf=render
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34693974
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8574312
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34693974/
Rights: OUP Standard Publication Reuse
implied-oa
Accession Number: edsair.doi.dedup.....2c7b1a9dd701b4c04b9164f83ad1958b
Database: OpenAIRE
Description
Abstract:Background Sleepiness associated with night shift working (NSW) is known to adversely affect workers’ health and well-being. It has been associated with adverse safety outcomes and is a recognized workplace hazard among healthcare workers. Aims This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of self-reported sleepiness in NSW nurses and midwives. This study also explored the consequences of sleepiness on safety at work and driving. Methods A cross-sectional study of NSW nurses and midwives was conducted at an National Health Service (NHS) hospital trust from 16 March 2020 to 1 June 2020. Data were collected by online questionnaire and included information on demographics, shift work and safety aspects. Sleepiness was assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results Data collection coincided with the first coronavirus pandemic peak in England. Out of 1985 eligible NSW nurses and midwives, 229 participated in the study, with a response rate of 12%. The prevalence of sleepiness was 28%. Following a night shift, 49% of nurses reported nodding off at the wheel and 44% reported a near-miss car accident in past 12 months. An abnormal ESS score was significantly associated with near-miss car accidents (odds ratio [OR] 2.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31–5.77) and with low confidence in undertaking complex tasks at night (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.20–5.84). Conclusions More than a quarter of NSW nurses and midwives reported excessive daytime sleepiness although, due to the low response rate, this may not be representative. Adverse driving events were common. Elevated ESS scores correlated well with safety issues relating to work and driving.
ISSN:14718405
09627480
DOI:10.1093/occmed/kqab137