In May 2006, the AMA conducted a nationwide survey of hospital doctors' working hours to assess the fatigue risks of their current working arrangements. The on-line survey collected data on the hours of work, on-call hours, non-work hours, and sleep time of more than 550 doctors during the audit week. AMA members and non-members were able to participate in the survey.

This data was analysed against an established risk assessment model developed by the AMA in 2000 as part of its Safe Hours campaign. Survey participants are categorised into three different risk levels - lower risk, significant risk, and higher risk.

In determining the level of risk, the model takes into account factors such as total weekly hours, the amount of night work, the length of shifts, the extent of on-call commitments, access to breaks, and the long term work pattern.

In 2001, the AMA conducted a similar survey, but it focussed only on junior doctors. The 2006 survey covers all doctors employed in public hospitals.

This paper reports on the findings of the 2006 survey, which confirm that the majority of hospital doctors continue to have working hours and work patterns that pose unsafe risks of fatigue.

The AMA survey reveals that the hours and patterns of work for 62 per cent of hospital doctors fall into significant risk and higher risk categories.

While many hospitals and health departments claim to have taken measures to review rostering arrangements, it is clear that much more needs to be done to minimise the risks of doctor fatigue and performance impairment.

These survey results should act as a wake-up call for health departments and Governments across the country. To download a full copy of the AMA Safe Hours Audit 2006, simply click on the link below. The report contains extensive data including a breakdown across various medical speciality areas.

AMA Safe Hours Audit 2006