The Effect of Night Duty of Pharmacists on Sleepiness and Concentration at Daytime.

Claus Werner Biechele,Thomas Penzel,Martin Glos,Ingo Fietze,Jürgen Kurths

doi:10.3390/ijerph18179211

Abstract

Background: The changing responsibilities of pharmacists contribute to a lack of qualified pharmacists to fill vacant positions, particularly in rural areas. Consequently, pharmacy managers cover various duties, including an increasing number of nights being on duty that can impair daytime concentration and performance. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of night duties on daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and concentration abilities of pharmacists. Methods: 22 pharmacists, both sexes, aged 27 to 60 years, were recruited and their sleep time, sleep efficiency, and mobility (actigraphy) were assessed during a night on duty and a control night using an actimetry. Daytime sleepiness and concentration were assessed using standardized questionnaires (ESS, KSS, d2-R). Results: Significant differences were observed between the night shift and control nights with respect to sleep time, sleep efficiency, and mobility. Daytime sleepiness was significantly increased after night shifts (ESS: 11.64 vs. 2.09; KSS: 6.77 vs. 2.41 after a night shift and control night, respectively; p < 0.001) and concentration diminished compared to control nights (d2-R KL: 220.95 vs. 260.36 after a night shift and control night, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results provide evidence that night duties lead to high daytime sleepiness in pharmacists, which in turn may negatively affect their ability to concentrate and their error rate. Existing regulations on emergency pharmacy services should be reconsidered regarding the safety of the pharmaceutical supply.

Highlights

The shortage of pharmacies and pharmacists in Germany is reflected by a continuous decline in the number of community pharmacies during the past 20 years
We identified an impact of night shift work of pharmacists on their sleep duration and sleep efficiency
Pharmacists showed a diminished concentration ability after a night shift that correlated with daytime sleepiness

Summary

Introduction

The shortage of pharmacies and pharmacists in Germany is reflected by a continuous decline in the number of community pharmacies during the past 20 years Central reasons for this phenomenon are the increase in online orders of medicines and staffing difficulties due to a shift in the roles of pharmacists and unfilled positions [1]. The shift of commercially relevant aspects of the medicine trade to the internet means that pharmacists are increasingly involved in activities such as blistering, medication analysis, and laboratory work [2]. Administrative activities such as record keeping and quality management have increased. Daytime sleepiness and concentration were assessed using standardized questionnaires (ESS, KSS, d2-R)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion