Joint Commission Issues Alert on Dangers of Worker Fatigue
On Wednesday, the Joint Commission issued a Sentinel Event Alert describing how health care worker fatigue can affect patient safety. According to the alert, worker fatigue can lead to an inability to focus, reduced motivation, confusion, irritability, impaired communication, memory lapses, diminished reaction time and the loss of empathy. The hospital accreditation group also outlined nine strategies to reduce the occurrence and effects of worker fatigue.
- "Joint Commission Issues Sentinel Alert on Dangers of Long Hours for Health Workers" (McKinney, Modern Healthcare, 12/14).