Shorter work hours mean fewer surgical mistakes

CHICAGO -- Surgical residents at a large teaching hospital who worked shorter shifts were less likely to make mistakes during gallbladder surgery, U.S. researchers said on Monday.


The study offers some of the first evidence that rules put into place in 2003 to limit hours worked by doctors in training resulted in better care for patients. Many doctors have argued that the limits interfere with the training of doctors but make no difference in patient care.

“We are actually surprised to find the outcomes improved,” Dr. Christian de Virgilio of the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center said in a telephone interview.