Increases in clinician workload can contribute to burnout. This study explored seasonal variation in workload in an orthopedic trauma service at one Level 1 trauma center. Findings indicate that workload was highest in the summer months and correlated with resident sleepiness scores. The study team also found that patient safety events were highest during the summer, but these were not correlated with increased workload.

Reducing resident shift duration can improve resident health and patient safety. This study found that resident shifts limited to 16 hours can reduce performance impairment and medical errors, compared to extended work shifts (24+hours).

Physician burnout has been associated with increased patient safety incidents. A recent national survey of pediatric residents found burnout rates exceeded 50%. The survey found that risk of burnout was associated with reported stress, sleepiness, dissatisfaction with work-life balance and recent medical error. Burnout rates were lowest among residents reporting empathy, self-compassion, quality of life, and confidence in providing compassionate care.