Letter from the BWPO Chairman

Dear Colleagues:

Dr. Czeisler's studies specifically concentrated on the impacts of shortening medical interns' work shifts and the relationship of length of work shift and risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

In a study published in the October 28 issue of New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Czeisler found that eliminating extended work shifts of 24 hours decreased the number of medical errors, protecting both patients and clinicians. Specifically, implementing shift limits of 16 hours or less and reducing work weeks to less than 80 hours, brought about better performance from medical interns. The 80 hour limit on interns' work week is now mandated by the ACGME.

In addition, related findings were published in the January 13 New England Journal of Medicine again by Dr. Czeisler and his team of researchers at both Harvard Medical School and BWH on medical interns' risk of being involved in motor vehicle accidents. Study findings indicate that the risk of crashes after a shift lasting more than 24 hours is nearly 2.5 times greater than after shifts lasting less than 12 hours.

Times are changing for medical residents, and as an organization, we look to find feasible solutions to decrease the risk of compromised patient safety as well as improve residents' quality of worklife. While medicine will always be a discipline that demands intense hours, residency programs are starting to afford participants more free time to spend with their families or to pursue other interests.

Sincerely yours,

Steven Seltzer, MD
BWPO Chairman