The impact of ‘sleeping night shifts’ on veterinary clinical staff's cognitive performance and fine motor skills

Abstract

Lack of sleep can affect concentration and reaction times. This study investigates the effects of working on-call emergency shifts on the cognitive function and motor skills of veterinary professionals, using a cross-sectional experimental design. A pilot testing battery – based on the Bruininks Motor Ability Test and the CANTAB Cognitive Safety Phase 1 Battery – was used on participating veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses after every night shift in a 4-week period using a cross-sectional experimental design. Significant differences were demonstrated in multiple cognitive functions, motor skills and reaction times between those who lost little sleep and those who lost lots of sleep. The study was conducted in a single practice, with a small sample size and within a short time frame, which limits the conclusions that can be drawn; however, it still demonstrates proof of concept and forms a basis on which further studies can be created to confirm the reliability of the results. The study demonstrates that veterinary professionals suffer the same detrimental effects of out-of-hours shifts as their counterparts in human medicine, and suggests that steps need to be taken to prevent this affecting staff wellbeing and patient outcomes. The study also allows for discussions around the further use and adaptation of battery testing to help support these findings. Practice managers, veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in leadership roles could use these findings to focus on staff scheduling and allowing for proper rest periods, and they could potentially help to improve the wellbeing and retention of staff. The pilot study has helped raise awareness of the similarities between veterinary and medical professionals and the need for further exploration of this topic.