In other fields like trucking or air traffic control, they have maximum time limits so that tired workers don’t cause dangerous accidents. It’s surprising that there isn’t something similar for doctors since medical accidents could also kill people. So, why do I keep hearing about medical workers working super long 12-48 hour shifts? Is there a benefit that outweighs the risk of accidents?
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There are rules in place they’re just not followed out of necessity. For one a shift change with medical professionals is difficult because those starting their shift have to catch up with any changes or new patients and those whose shift is ending may be in the middle of something, or there are simply emergencies and patients can’t be left without doctors and nurses for even a few moments. But really the main reason is staff shortage. There’s not enough doctors and nurses to go around and this is compounded by the fact that public healthcare in more or less all countries keeps trying to cut costs so even if there are enough available doctors that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re hired or that they’re paid well. The fact of the matter is that a lot of doctors refuse to work these hours for low pay after a point and look for work in private clinics if they can or work in their personal practice. I know the common conception of medical professionals is that they’re paid well and they’re all rich but that’s not actually the fact for many doctors in public health, especially young doctors.
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