Strategies for Coping with Fatigue: A Pilot Study of Medical and Surgical Residents

Concern about the potential of medical and surgical residents making errors when fatigued has led to a reduction in resident duty hours. However, this reduction in duty hours, coupled with a lack of, or inadequate training in dealing with fatigue, may result in decreased opportunities for residents to learn how to provide safe care when fatigued. We conducted structured interviews with 18 senior residents completing their residency programs to investigate existing fatigue training programs and their experiences in coping with fatigue as physicians. Most reported receiving some lectures on fatigue, and use of one or more strategies to cope with fatigue while providing patient care. Respondents reported moderate to high concern about their ability to provide safe patient care when fatigued once residency training was completed. Further research is needed related to fatigue awareness and training