Fatigue in anesthesia: Implications and strategies for patient and provider safety
Fatigue is commonplace in contemporary society and is especially likely in individuals working in industries that must be in continuous operation. This article reviews the physiological challenges that face anesthesia care providers and the safety risks of working while fatigued. Data-based strategies are suggested for individual management of fatigue. The review concludes that the discipline of anesthesiology should take a leadership role in formulating health system-wide approaches for scheduling that are based on evidence rather than tradition.