Hazards of fatigue: learning from aviation

Abstract

Fatigue can lead to a degradation in mental and physical performance. This increases the risk for error, which can be disastrous in healthcare or aviation. Professionals in these fields are at a greater risk for fatigue as they often work long hours at unnatural times. While the aviation industry has taken active measures to investigate and reduce fatigue through regulations imposed by its governing bodies, recognition of these effects has been slower in the medical field. Doctors are frequently reporting burnout and feel as though they are unable to perform effectively at work. As a consequence, physician retention is at an all-time low. The aviation industry provides a model for changes that need to be made to the healthcare schedules. If these are not implemented, the situation may continue to deteriorate and it is the patients who will ultimately suffer.