Work Hours Restrictions as an Ethical Dilemma for Residents: A Descriptive Survey of Violation Types and Frequency

The overall percent of residents reporting violation remains high, the number of excess hours worked is small relative to established standards, and systems adaptations could be developed to improve compliance.

Abstract

Eighty-five percent of residents reported at least 1 violation, and 48% admitted under-reporting violations. These results support the previous findings of 80% and 49%, respectively. Of the various requirements, the "24+6" rule was most frequently violated. Of those in violation of the "24+6" requirement, the majority (90%) exceeded limits by no more than 3 hours. Of those in violation of the 80-hour weekly average requirement, the majority (57%) exceeded limits by no more than 5 hours. Per the ACGME website, "an RRC may grant exceptions for up to 10% of the 80-hour limit, to individual programs based on a sound educational rationale." Although the overall percent of residents reporting violation remains high, the number of excess hours worked is small relative to established standards (within 10%). The authors propose that systems adaptations could be developed to improve compliance. Special attention is warranted to investigate the activities of residents in the post-call period.