UNDERSTANDING THE DARK SIDE OF ROTATING SHIFTS

Introduction

Healthcare workers are the backbone of our medical system, providing care and support around the clock. However, the demands of the profession often come with significant challenges, one of which is the requirement to work rotating shifts. While shift work ensures continuous patient care, it also brings a host of physiological and psychological challenges that can take a toll on healthcare professionals (HCPs).

The Rhythm

The human body operates on a natural circadian rhythms, a 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and other vital functions. These rhythms take in environmental cues and interact with each other to keep our bodies operating optimally. Rotating shift schedules disrupt these rhythms which can lead to negative health and performance impacts if not managed correctly.

The Impact

The most noticeable and immediate impact of a disrupted circadian rhythm is on the quality and quantity of sleep. Sleep outside of the “traditional” hours has been proven to be less refreshing, especially without access to a dark and noise free environment. The lack of adequate sleep can impair cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. Coupling the lack of sleep with the stress of a demanding job, can lead to a decline in overall mental well-being. For HCPs, this can be particularly dangerous, as it may lead to errors, potentially compromising patient outcomes.

Additionally disruption to the circadian rhythms can weaken the immune system, making HCPs more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Increased risks of cardio vascular diseases, cancers and gastrointestinal disorders have been reported in individuals on short rotation cycles (<7 days per shift time slot). The associated immunosuppression also leaves HCPs and patients at a high risk for transmittable diseases. This is particularly concerning in Long Term Care facilities where the ability to combat an outbreak is lower when compared to a hospital.

The Workaround

Circadian rhythms can synchronize with a rotating shift schedule, however this takes several weeks in order to negate the negative effects. While some rhythms only take a few days to adapt, others may take five to seven days coinciding with a change in rotation and a new adaptation cycle. Some facilities may have the capacity to maintain long rotation cycles (>7 days per shift time slot); however, the overwhelming majority manage a shorter rotation cycle sometimes changing shifts within the same week.

With ShiftCovered, professionals and facilities can optimize their shift rotations minimizing the effects of circadian rhythm disruptions. The HCPs can select their preferred shit slots, and build out their schedule accordingly. No longer having to stress about rotating to an off-shift if they don’t want to. The HCOs can use the analytical data to predict coverage needs and plan accordingly with longer duration opportunities posted to the portal.

Conclusions

While rotating shifts are often necessary to ensure continuous patient care, the negative physiological and psychological impacts on healthcare workers are profound. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including the implementation of more supportive scheduling practices, access to mental health resources, and education on the importance of sleep. By prioritizing the well-being of healthcare workers, we can ensure that they remain healthy, resilient, and capable of providing the highest level of care to their patients. ShiftCovered is uniquely positioned to undertake the challenge of improving and optimizing scheduling practices through our online Portal, giving HCPs and HCOs options and flexibility they yearned for.

References

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[2]

P. Ferri, M. Guadi, L. Marcheselli, S. Balduzzi, D. Magnani, and R. Di Lorenzo, “The impact of shift work on the psychological and physical health of nurses in a general hospital: a comparison between rotating night shifts and day shifts,” University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 2016. [Online]. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5028173/

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“The Health Risks Associated with Working Rotating and/or Night Shifts.” Ontario Nurses Association. [Online]. Available: https://www.ona.org/wp-content/uploads/ona_tipsheet_thehealthrisksassociatedwithworkingrotatingornightshifts_20220927.pdf

[4]

C. C. Imes and E. R. Chasens, “Rotating Shifts Negatively Impacts Health and Wellness Among Intensive Care Nurses,” University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10478161/