The Relation between Shift Work with Cognitive Function and Quality of Life among Emergency Medicine Professionals

Due to the negative impact of night and long shift work on performance of physicians, this study was conducted to determine the relation between shift duration with cognitive function and quality of life among emergency medicine professionals.

In this cross-sectional study, 25 faculty members, residents, and specialists of emergency medicine were included, and their cognitive function [with Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)] was evaluated at the end of a 12-hour morning shift, a 12-hour night shift, and a long shift, and compared between the three shifts. The quality of life of individuals was assessed using the quality-of-life questionnaire of the World Health Organization, and the relationship between cognitive function and their quality of life was assessed.

The mean score of cognitive function was 73.8 ± 3.58, 69.24± 4.73, and 59.8 ± 4.01 at the end of morning, night, and 24-hour shifts, respectively, and the difference between the three shifts was significant. The mean score of quality of life of the participants was 10.29 ± 80.52. A significant inverse correlation (0.386) was observed between the quality of life score and cognitive function in the 24-hour shift.

Findings showed that the cognitive function of emergency medicine professionals at the end of 24-hour work shift decreased significantly compared to morning and night shifts. In addition, at the end of 24-hour shifts, there was a significant relationship between the score of cognitive dysfunction and quality of life.