Descriptive study on the working conditions of residents of psychiatry in Madrid: working hours and 24-hour on call shifts

Abstract

IntroductionResident physician’s working conditions are linked to poor health outcomes of professionals and patient’s safety. Previous studies suggest that residents in Spain have difficulties enjoying mandatory rest after on-call shifts.Objectives This study aims at describing the working conditions: working hours and the absence of mandatory rest periods after a 24h on-call shift in residents of psychiatry in the region of Madrid.Methods A descriptive observational cross-sectional study was carried out through an anonymous survey adapted from the available literature.ResultsUp to 24,1% of the surveyed residents could not enjoy mandatory resting periods after a 24 hour on-call shift and the mandatory weekly rest of at least 36 hours was not done in up to 17% of the cases with statistical significance (p <0.05). The average number of 24 hours on call shifts residents had to work per month was 5, which exceeds the maximum weekly hours allowed by law.ConclusionsThe findings reveal a violation of resident physician labor rights in relation to resting times after on-call shifts, weekly breaks and working hours. These phenomena pose a significant threat to resident physician’s health and patient safety.DisclosureNo significant relationships.