Minimizing Fatigue in Healthcare Workers: Sleep-Related and Fatigue Management Interventions
Keywords:
Healthcare, Fatigue Management, Sleep Interventions, Work Schedules, Mindfulness, ErgonomicsAbstract
Introduction:
Healthcare workers frequently face significant fatigue due to irregular shift patterns, long hours, and high-stress environments, which can negatively impact both their well-being and patient care quality. Recognizing the critical need for effective fatigue management strategies in healthcare settings, this review aimed to systematically examine the literature on sleep-related and fatigue management interventions for healthcare workers, identifying effective strategies and areas requiring further investigation.
Methods:
A comprehensive search was conducted across several electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL, focusing on interventional studies and clinical trials published in the last years up to 2022. Inclusion criteria were set to identify studies that evaluated the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing fatigue among healthcare workers. The study selection involved screening titles and abstracts, full-text review, and data extraction, culminating in a quality assessment of the included studies.
Results:
Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 30 to over 200 participants. The interventions varied widely, encompassing modified work schedules, on-site napping facilities, mindfulness and stress reduction programs, and education on sleep hygiene. Notably, structured napping strategies showed a 25% improvement in alertness and a 30% decrease in reported errors (risk ratio: 0.7, 95% CI, 0.5-0.9). Mindfulness programs led to a 35% decrease in burnout symptoms, and ergonomic adjustments coupled with sleep education sessions resulted in a 50% decrease in sleep disturbances.
Conclusions:
The review highlights the efficacy of diverse interventions in managing fatigue among healthcare workers. Tailored, multifaceted approaches, particularly those combining physical, psychological, and educational strategies, appear most effective in reducing fatigue and enhancing worker well-being and performance. Future research should focus on integrated interventions and consider the unique contexts of healthcare settings.
