Health-promoting work schedules: protocol for a large-scale cluster randomised controlled trial on the effects of a work schedule without quick returns on sickness absence among healthcare workers. Issue 4 (15th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vedaa, Øystein; Djupedal, Ingebjørg Louise Rockwell; Svensen, Erling; Waage, Siri; Bjorvatn, Bjørn; Pallesen, Ståle; Lie, Stein Atle; Nielsen, Morten; Harris, Anette
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 12:Issue 4(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04-15
• Subjects: occupational & industrial medicine -- adult psychiatry -- sleep medicine; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058309
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: In shift work, quick returns refer to transitions between two shifts with less than 11 hours available rest time. Twenty-three per cent of employees in European countries reported having quick returns. Quick returns are related to short sleep duration, fatigue, sleepiness, work-related accidents and sickness absence. The present study is the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effect of a work schedule without quick returns for 6 months, compared with a work schedule that maintains quick returns during the same time frame. Methods and analysis: A parallel-group cluster RCT in a target sample of more than 4000 healthcare workers at Haukeland University Hospital in Norway will be conducted. More than 70 hospital units will be assessed for eligibility and randomised to a work schedule without quick returns for 6 months or continue with a schedule that maintains quick returns. The primary outcome is objective records of sickness absence; secondary outcomes are questionnaire data (n≈4000 invited) on sleep and functioning, physical and psychological health, work-related accidents and turnover intention. For a subsample, sleep diaries and objective sleep registrations with radar technology (n≈ 50) will be collected. Ethics and dissemination: The study protocol was approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics in Western Norway (2020/200386). Findings from the trial will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. Exploratory analyses of potential mediators and moderators will be reported. User-friendly outputs will be disseminated to relevant stakeholders, unions and other relevant societal groups. Trial registration number: NCT04693182 .