493 An Examination into The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Surgeons

Abstract

Abstract Background Lack of sleep amongst surgeons is significant and worrying. It poses short- and long-term risks to surgeons’ health and negatively impacts patient outcomes. Previous studies have examined sleep deprivation amongst health care professionals. The aim of the present study was to examine impact in a specific population of surgical doctors. Method A questionnaire-based study completed in the anatomy department of King’s College London University. Surgical subjects spanned the United Kingdom. Subjects completed 14 questions regarding sleep habits. Data was compiled, calculating a sleep deprivation score. Results Valid responses were obtained from 66 surgical subjects of varying seniority. Mean age of subjects was 33.7 years old. 59.1% of subjects had rota commitments changing on a weekly basis. Average sleep amongst subjects amounted to 6.15 (± 1.26) hours per night. Daily sleep did not present differences dependent on seniority level (p = 0.186). 25.8% of subjects took >30 minutes to fall asleep. Our subjects woke 1.67 (± 1.21) times a night. Mean sleep deprivation score amongst our surgical population was 16.5 (± 4.26) demonstrating moderate negative impact on daily activities. 28.9% accumulated ≧20 sleep deprivation score demonstrating severe impact of sleep deprivation on life. Conclusions Our study has demonstrated reduced quantity and quality of sleep amongst our subject population. With protecting the health of both patients and surgeons in mind, we must place higher importance on improving sleep amongst surgical professionals.