Night shift call systems in family practice residencies.

Background: The number of hours worked by residents has come under scrutiny recently. One approach to decreasing the number of consecutive hours worked is the night shift call or night float system.

Methods: A survey was sent to the directors/administrators of all family practice residency programs. The survey inquired about their experience with the night shift call system (NSCS). Residencies with an NSCS were asked the reasons for its implementation, how it was implemented, its structure, and its effect on resident well-being, medical education, and patient care.

Results: Of the 295 programs responding, 15% had an NSCS in place, and 12% were considering its implementation. Resident satisfaction, alertness, personal life, quality of care, education, cross coverage, call frequency, reading, and studying improved in 50% or more of residencies. Conference attendance was unchanged.

Conclusions: NSCSs are one way of reducing resident work hours without lengthening a residency. It can improve patient care, resident well-being, and postgraduate education.