Transition to a Night Float System in Ophthalmology Residency: Perceptions of Resident Wellness and Performance

Purpose The purpose of this study is to characterize the influence of a new night float rotation on resident wellness and performance in the Duke University Eye Center Ophthalmology Residency Program. Methods We analyzed three classes of ophthalmology residents: one class (n = 4) utilized...

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Main Authors: Sahil Aggarwal, C. Ellis Wisely, Andrew Gross, Pratap Challa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 2022-01-01
Series:Journal of Academic Ophthalmology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0042-1747969
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author Sahil Aggarwal
C. Ellis Wisely
Andrew Gross
Pratap Challa
author_facet Sahil Aggarwal
C. Ellis Wisely
Andrew Gross
Pratap Challa
author_sort Sahil Aggarwal
collection DOAJ
description Purpose The purpose of this study is to characterize the influence of a new night float rotation on resident wellness and performance in the Duke University Eye Center Ophthalmology Residency Program. Methods We analyzed three classes of ophthalmology residents: one class (n = 4) utilized the new night float rotation with no daytime clinical duties, while two senior classes (n = 12) utilized the traditional call system wherein they had daytime and nighttime responsibilities. Residents completed a questionnaire regarding their perceptions of the night float rotation. Supervising attendings (n = 15) were also surveyed about their perceptions of the new rotation. Results Zero of the four residents on the night float rotation reported burnout compared with 6 of 11 residents in the traditional call system. Most residents supported the adoption of the night float rotation, but this trend was less apparent among fellows and attendings. Most respondents believed the new night float rotation reduced burnout, fatigue, and work hours while increasing time for nonclinical activities. Perceived skills gained while on call were felt to be similar between the two call systems. Fellows and attendings believed residents in the night float system performed similarly or better than residents in the traditional system in indicators such as knowledge and enthusiasm. There was no significant difference in the average number of patient encounters (290.8 ± 30.5 vs. 310.7 ± 25.4, p = 0.163), phone encounters (430.8 ± 20.2 vs. 357.1 ± 90.0, p = 0.068), or average hours worked per week (57.3 ± 4.6 vs. 58.0 ± 5.7 p = 0.797) per resident between night float residents and traditional call residents. Conclusions This study shows resident support for a night float rotation in ophthalmology residency at Duke, with reductions in burnout and more time for nonclinical activities without affecting perceived clinical performance. We hope this study serves as an impetus for other ophthalmology programs considering a transition to a night float system.
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spelling doaj.art-fe38c537d9c7401a9f9efcce1c30cf712022-12-22T00:40:11ZengThieme Medical Publishers, Inc.Journal of Academic Ophthalmology2475-47572022-01-011401e120e12610.1055/s-0042-1747969Transition to a Night Float System in Ophthalmology Residency: Perceptions of Resident Wellness and PerformanceSahil Aggarwal0C. Ellis Wisely1Andrew Gross2Pratap Challa3Duke University Eye Center, Durham, North CarolinaDuke University Eye Center, Durham, North CarolinaDuke University Eye Center, Durham, North CarolinaDuke University Eye Center, Durham, North CarolinaPurpose The purpose of this study is to characterize the influence of a new night float rotation on resident wellness and performance in the Duke University Eye Center Ophthalmology Residency Program. Methods We analyzed three classes of ophthalmology residents: one class (n = 4) utilized the new night float rotation with no daytime clinical duties, while two senior classes (n = 12) utilized the traditional call system wherein they had daytime and nighttime responsibilities. Residents completed a questionnaire regarding their perceptions of the night float rotation. Supervising attendings (n = 15) were also surveyed about their perceptions of the new rotation. Results Zero of the four residents on the night float rotation reported burnout compared with 6 of 11 residents in the traditional call system. Most residents supported the adoption of the night float rotation, but this trend was less apparent among fellows and attendings. Most respondents believed the new night float rotation reduced burnout, fatigue, and work hours while increasing time for nonclinical activities. Perceived skills gained while on call were felt to be similar between the two call systems. Fellows and attendings believed residents in the night float system performed similarly or better than residents in the traditional system in indicators such as knowledge and enthusiasm. There was no significant difference in the average number of patient encounters (290.8 ± 30.5 vs. 310.7 ± 25.4, p = 0.163), phone encounters (430.8 ± 20.2 vs. 357.1 ± 90.0, p = 0.068), or average hours worked per week (57.3 ± 4.6 vs. 58.0 ± 5.7 p = 0.797) per resident between night float residents and traditional call residents. Conclusions This study shows resident support for a night float rotation in ophthalmology residency at Duke, with reductions in burnout and more time for nonclinical activities without affecting perceived clinical performance. We hope this study serves as an impetus for other ophthalmology programs considering a transition to a night float system.http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0042-1747969ophthalmologyresidencynight floatcall
spellingShingle Sahil Aggarwal
C. Ellis Wisely
Andrew Gross
Pratap Challa
Transition to a Night Float System in Ophthalmology Residency: Perceptions of Resident Wellness and Performance
Journal of Academic Ophthalmology
ophthalmology
residency
night float
call
title Transition to a Night Float System in Ophthalmology Residency: Perceptions of Resident Wellness and Performance
title_full Transition to a Night Float System in Ophthalmology Residency: Perceptions of Resident Wellness and Performance
title_fullStr Transition to a Night Float System in Ophthalmology Residency: Perceptions of Resident Wellness and Performance
title_full_unstemmed Transition to a Night Float System in Ophthalmology Residency: Perceptions of Resident Wellness and Performance
title_short Transition to a Night Float System in Ophthalmology Residency: Perceptions of Resident Wellness and Performance
title_sort transition to a night float system in ophthalmology residency perceptions of resident wellness and performance
topic ophthalmology
residency
night float
call
url http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0042-1747969
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