Intervention for occupational fatigue and sleepiness among healthcare workers working in shift: A systematic review

Abstract

Healthcare workers typically work in shift to ensure smooth operation of healthcare industries around the clock. However, working in shift put them at risk of developing occupational fatigue and sleepiness during and after work, with multiple adverse effects to themselves and patients under their care. This review aims to identify available evidence-based intervention for fatigue and sleepiness among healthcare workers working in shift. We searched PubMed, Scopus and CENTRAL database from January 2013 to December 2017. Selection criteria included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effect of any interventions on fatigue and/or sleepiness among shift workers. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts for relevant studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. We included 8 relevant trials with 7 review-relevant participants. Given the methodological diversity of the included studies in terms of interventions and assessment tools, it is not possible to determine the effectiveness of these interventions to reduce occupational fatigue or sleepiness among healthcare workers working in shift. More good quality RCTs with comparable assessment tools is needed.