A human factors approach to evaluate predictors of acute care nurse occupational fatigue. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farag, Amany; Scott, L.D.; Perkhounkova, Y.; Saeidzadeh, S.; Hein, M.
• Is Part Of: Applied ergonomics. Volume 100(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Occupational fatigue -- Nurses -- Shift-work -- Sleep; Human engineering -- Periodicals; 620.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103647
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-6870

Abstract

Abstract: Nurses function at the point of care and assume a significant role in intercepting errors. They work in a mentally and physically demanding profession that is comprised of shift-work, subjecting nurses to considerable fatigue. Yet, few studies constructed a comprehensive model that integrates personal and occupational factors to explore their relationship with various types of fatigue (acute, chronic, physical, mental, and total). Here, we examine this type of comprehensive fatigue-model, in a report that represents one aim of a larger, mixed-methods study. The study sample comprised of 1137 registered nurses working in eight hospitals in a Midwestern state. Nurses reported higher levels of acute and total fatigue than chronic and physical fatigue. Staffing and resource adequacy, exercise, and sleep were among the strongest predictors. Since fatigue is a multi-faceted construct, a comprehensive fatigue-management strategy that targets both day and night-shift nurses is the optimal way to manage nurse fatigue. Highlights: Personal and work factors are integral components to manage nurse fatigue. Day shift nurses are more fatigued than night shift nurses. Working in a well-staffed units is important to mitigate nurse fatigue. Assuming caregiving responsibilities is not necessarily increasing nurse fatigue.