Using simulation to investigate the impact of hours worked on task performance in an intensive care unit

Abstract

Background Past studies have indicated a positive correlation between shift length and the rate of medical errors. In situ simu - lation is an innovative way to study issues in quality of care. Objectives To explore the use of in situ simulation as an investigative method by using it to examine the effects of work length on completion rate of and accuracy at critical care nursing tasks. Methods Participants were drawn from the nursing staffin the pediatric intensive care unit and were assessed by using a high-fidelity pediatric simulator 3 times during a 12-hour shift. Data recorded included demographic information, time to task completion, and number of steps correctly performed per task. Results Twenty-eight nurses with a mean of 5.5 years of experience participated. Each nurse cared for a mean of 1.4 patients per shift. A significant decrease (P