A government initiative to reduce the effects of fatigue in the workforce has recently been rolled out. As anaesthetic lead, you are asked by the chief executive of your institution to develop strategies to reduce fatigue in your department. Appropriate strategies are likely to include:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fatigue mitigation in anaesthesia enhances safety. Reducing night shift frequency from every 3 days to every 2 weeks allows recovery (per sleep science, 48-72 hours post-night shift), significantly cutting cumulative fatigue versus less impactful measures. A handbook educates on fatigue signs (e.g., yawning, errors) and strategies (naps, caffeine), but it's passive. An exercise bike offers minor alertness boosts but not sustained relief. Age-based shift reduction addresses older workers' recovery needs, yet evidence favors roster spacing for all. Refreshments help minimally. Frequent night shifts disrupt circadian rhythms and sleep homeostasis, amplifying error risk (e.g., medication misdosing); a 2-week gap aligns with occupational health guidelines for sustained performance.