The Effect of Reported Sleep, Perceived Fatigue, and Sleepiness on Cognitive Performance in a Sample of Emergency Nurses. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wolf, Lisa A.; Perhats, Cydne; Delao, Altair; Martinovich, Zoran
• Is Part Of: Journal of nursing administration. Volume 47:issue 1(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Nursing services -- Administration -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000435
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-0443

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between reported sleep, perceived fatigue and sleepiness, and cognitive performance. BACKGROUND: Although evidence suggests that fatigue and sleepiness affect the provision of care in inpatient units, there is a lack of research on the sleep patterns of emergency nurses and the effects of disturbed sleep and fatigue on their cognitive abilities and susceptibility to medical errors. METHODS: A quantitative correlational design was used in this study; in each of 7 different statistical models, zero-order relationships between predictors and the dependent variable were examined with appropriate inferential tests. RESULTS: Participants reported high levels of sleepiness and chronic fatigue that impeded full functioning both at work and at home. CONCLUSIONS: Although high levels of self-reported fatigue did not show any effects on cognitive function, other factors in the environment may contribute to delayed, missed, or inappropriate care. Further research is indicated.