Night shifts in the Emergency Department are not just shifts when it's dark outside. They are wrought with risk. Thanks to the folks over at RN Central for this eye-opening infographic.
Ugh. This info graphic is horrible -- lots of undocumented "facts" that you can't be sure about (are they from the pre-work-hours reform era?) or "tips" you can't follow like, "avoid going to the hospital during Spring Break" (what?). Other pearls just reflect reality: 50-70% of hospital admissions happen at night or on weekends! Well, duh.
They cap it by highlighting 5 bad outcomes across the US (world?) over the past 22 years.
I just can't figure out who this infographic is trying to educate or warn. I think it's mostly a promotional tool for RN central.
Yes, the infographic definitaly has a promotional component (as do most infographics). It, however, also shares some facts with face validity (eg. night shifts and holidays usually staffed by more junior nurses and physicians).
I think the graphic is targeted health practitioners, the administrative leadership, and even lay population. It raises awareness about the risks inherent to the night shift.
This is the second infographic that I've shared on my blog. Both now have gotten some negative vibes. Hmm, will have to rethink sharing these in the future.
You, I suppose I like economics infographics better, perhaps because I'm not versed enough in that field to catch the simplifications or misdirections, or to mind the lack of true citations.
Still, I think an infographic should make a succinct and compelling case, like "boost overnight staffing with more experienced providers" ... this one seems to be lashing out at all kinds of problems, from overnight staffing to residency training to preventable errors, and fails to make any compelling cause/effect relationship or implementable policy recommendation.
Worse -- if I wanted to learn more about that stat, "babies born at night are 16% likelier to die" (seriously, think about how ridiculous that number is without confidence intervals or ARR) where would I go? The Halifax Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog? (that's one of the sources, next to WSJ and NEJM).
I just think an infographic like this spreads fear and confusion, and is contrary to the ideals of "academic life in EM."
When I think about it, the info graphic is kindda funny. So what if you are due to deliver by night or you have a medical emergency and it happens to happen during at 9pm? or while having summer vacation? Do we have to wait till the clock ticks 7am or till summer is over. I don't think majority of the things presented here are valid facts.
@Elise: Yes, a bit funny. Of course, don't wait if you have an emergency. This is more information to remind us medical providers that night time shifts are higher-risk to patient for a variety of reasons. Being aware of these risks may help to mitigate some of these risks.
Ugh. This info graphic is horrible -- lots of undocumented "facts" that you can't be sure about (are they from the pre-work-hours reform era?) or "tips" you can't follow like, "avoid going to the hospital during Spring Break" (what?). Other pearls just reflect reality: 50-70% of hospital admissions happen at night or on weekends! Well, duh.
ReplyDeleteThey cap it by highlighting 5 bad outcomes across the US (world?) over the past 22 years.
I just can't figure out who this infographic is trying to educate or warn. I think it's mostly a promotional tool for RN central.
Not a fan, Nick? I value your honest opinion.
ReplyDeleteYes, the infographic definitaly has a promotional component (as do most infographics). It, however, also shares some facts with face validity (eg. night shifts and holidays usually staffed by more junior nurses and physicians).
I think the graphic is targeted health practitioners, the administrative leadership, and even lay population. It raises awareness about the risks inherent to the night shift.
This is the second infographic that I've shared on my blog. Both now have gotten some negative vibes. Hmm, will have to rethink sharing these in the future.
You, I suppose I like economics infographics better, perhaps because I'm not versed enough in that field to catch the simplifications or misdirections, or to mind the lack of true citations.
ReplyDeleteStill, I think an infographic should make a succinct and compelling case, like "boost overnight staffing with more experienced providers" ... this one seems to be lashing out at all kinds of problems, from overnight staffing to residency training to preventable errors, and fails to make any compelling cause/effect relationship or implementable policy recommendation.
Worse -- if I wanted to learn more about that stat, "babies born at night are 16% likelier to die" (seriously, think about how ridiculous that number is without confidence intervals or ARR) where would I go? The Halifax Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog? (that's one of the sources, next to WSJ and NEJM).
I just think an infographic like this spreads fear and confusion, and is contrary to the ideals of "academic life in EM."
Yes, fair enough. Good points.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about it, the info graphic is kindda funny. So what if you are due to deliver by night or you have a medical emergency and it happens to happen during at 9pm? or while having summer vacation? Do we have to wait till the clock ticks 7am or till summer is over. I don't think majority of the things presented here are valid facts.
ReplyDelete@Elise: Yes, a bit funny. Of course, don't wait if you have an emergency. This is more information to remind us medical providers that night time shifts are higher-risk to patient for a variety of reasons. Being aware of these risks may help to mitigate some of these risks.
ReplyDelete