NEW SAFEGUARDS TO MANAGE DOCTOR FATIGUE TO BE TRIALLED

New measures to combat doctor fatigue will be trialled at public hospitals throughout Queensland starting in March, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson said doctors at 13 public hospitals and primary health care centres will have their work hours monitored as part of a trial of interim fatigue risk management measures.

“Last November I launched a $3.6 million Alert Doctor Strategy to develop a comprehensive new system of safeguards and controls to reduce the incidence of doctor fatigue,” he said.

“As part of that project, we’re working with the University of South Australia’s Centre for Sleep Research to develop an evidence-based fatigue risk management framework for all our hospitals.

“Researchers will next month begin observational studies at the 13 hospitals to assess the impact of existing work practices on doctors and patients; and to trial a range of potential solutions to the problem.

“The findings from these pilot trials will be used to implement a new fatigue management framework in all Queensland public hospitals within 18 months,” he said.

Hospitals participating in the trials include: Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital; Princess Alexandra Hospital; Rockhampton Hospital; Redcliffe Hospital; Gold Coast Hospital; Stanthorpe Hospital and Millmerran Health Service; Logan Hospital; Townsville Hospital; Mackay Hospital; Mt Isa Hospital; Douglas Shire Multi Purpose Health Service at Mossman; Yarrabah Primary Health Care Clinic and Atherton Hospital.

Mr Robertson said doctor fatigue was an issue being taken very seriously by the Beattie Government.

“Doctors have historically worked long hours in hospitals right around the world.

“We recognise, however, that in a 21^st century health system this culture must change for the well-being of both doctors and patients alike.

“That’s why we’re working with the AMA and unions to develop safe, intelligent and workable solutions to doctor fatigue,” he said.

Mr Robertson said Queensland Health already has in place fatigue reporting arrangements which allow doctors to report fatigue instances and require supervisors to assess and manage the risk of current and future fatigue instances.

“For example, it’s now mandatory for all doctors to report immediately to their supervisor if they have worked 13 continuous hours.

“Medical managers must also review the rostering and work arrangements of junior doctors to ensure work practices that may lead to fatigue risks are managed.

“We’re working with unions on a new continuous hours policy to address fatigue-related risks from doctors working long hours; including processes to be followed if a doctor is engaged in 16 hours of continuous work.

“And systematic reporting of excess overtime hours and fatigue penalty payments for doctors who cannot access an 8-hour break between shifts is also starting to pay dividends.

“Early results suggest there’s already been a reduction in reportable instances with overtime episodes down from 227 to 176, and fatigue penalty payments down from 207 to 175 in just one month.

“Doctor fatigue is a complex issue and there are no quick fixes.

“That’s why the Beattie Government will continue to work closely with the medical profession and unions to develop multi-faceted solutions to the complex issues contributing to doctor fatigue,” he said.

MEDIA: PAUL LYNCH  3234 1190