JUNE 2023
EDITION 26
HUMAN FACTORS: FATIGUE
Fatigue can have many effects on a person’s performance. This short article will explain some of the issues contributing to fatigue and what we can do to reduce the likelihood of that having an adverse impact on others. Fatigue is defined as " A physiological state of reduced mental or physical performance capability, which may result from sleep loss or extended wakefulness, which can impair alertness and ability to safely operate or perform safety-related duties" The greatest cause of fatigue is insufficient or disrupted sleep. In the United States, the cost of fatigue in the workplace has been estimated at $18 billion per annum. 2 3 Pathological fatigue can be due to an underlying medical condition such as but not limited to, Anaemia, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Malabsorption states and renal failure. Physiological fatigue is related to alcohol consumption, circadian rhythms, current health, or recent physical activity. Subjective fatigue is how sleepy a person might feel. This not only relates to when they last slept and how well they slept, but also how motivated they are to do their work. Fatigue can be pathological, physiological or subjective. Effects of fatigue Fatigue is a genuine concern in high-risk industries such as healthcare. Shift work and irregular or long working hours contribute to fatigue. Signs and symptoms can be explicit (e.g. eye rubbing, head drooping, yawning) or more subtle (e.g. diminished motor skills, increasing and irresistible longing for sleep, lethargy, loss of muscle strength, and micro sleeps). The impact of fatigue can be unsettling and may lead to a catastrophic event occurring. Failure to communicate important information Failure to anticipate events or actions Misinterpreting information, disorientation, visual illusions Low alertness Lacking judgement and decision making leading to an increase in mistakes Difficulty in performing tasks that require concentration Becoming easily distracted Having diminished standards of quality Reduced hearing, vision etc. Quieter or more withdrawn than usual Tearful Irritable or grumpy with colleagues, friends or family Erratic moods, depressed, elated and energetic The effects of fatigue include: 1
Ref: Global Air Training, August 2022
Tips for better sleeping
Establish a good bedtime routine (same time to bed if possible), Take a bath or shower before bed, Avoid alcohol and caffeine within 4 hours of bed time, Heavy meals should be avoided within 2 hours of bedtime, Carefully manage naps. If taking a nap make these regular and short between 14.00hrs – 17.00hrs (any later is too close to bedtime), Avoid emotional stressors, where possible Avoid intellectual stimulation before bed, Avoid using electronic devices, including TV, in the bedroom, Exercise regularly, just not too close to bed time, Practice relaxation techniques, Try herbal remedies Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Valerian or Chamomile tea, or a warm milky drink before bed. 1 Human Factors in Healthcare Train the Trainer, Fatigue presentation, Global air training, August 2022 Caldwell JA, et al., Fatigue and its management in the workplace. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 2019. 96: p. 272-289 Sadeghniiat-Haghighi K and Yazdi Z, Fatigue Management in the Workplace. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 2015. 24(1): p. 12-17 References: 1. 2. 3.
The Filthy Fifteen
Ref: Global Air Training 2022
Complacency
Pressure
Stress
Fatigue
Distraction
Lack of communication
Lack of assertiveness
Lack of Awareness
Lack of knowledge
Lack of resources
Lack of teamwork
Not admitting limitations
Norms
Lack of professionalism
Lack of operational integrity
Not interested in events or people Loss of motivation to perform duties
There is evidence to suggest that preventing and reducing fatigue in the healthcare setting could lead to better health and safety outcomes and less incidents or injuries.
Contact: NSLHD-SQEP@health.nsw.gov.au
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online