This portfolio of work focused on improving patient safety and the health, safety, and well-being of doctors in New Zealand public hospitals by improving the management of shift work and fatigue. The evidence-based approach integrates scientific, workforce and organisational expertise and international best practice.

In 2003, a national survey of Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) working in New Zealand hospitals was undertaken in partnership with the Resident Doctors Association to: document current hours of work, shift work, and rostering of RMOs, compare these to the Australian Medical Association’s Code of Practice for rostering for hospital doctors, inform debate, and make recommendations on how current practices could be improved. From the survey data, a fatigue risk assessment matrix was developed that is now used routinely to evaluate RMO rosters in DHBs (John McKeefry, personal communication).

Major Funding: Health Research Council of New Zealand