The Effect of Healthcare Provider Fatigue on Patient Care: A Narrative Review Provided by the Department of Radiology and Nursing

Abstract

The level of fatigue among health care providers has recently become a serious concern for patient care and healthcare systems. Fatigue is especially prevalent and consequential in the health care labor sector; yet, the bulk of fatigue research in health care has largely neglected the health care provider’s contribution. An escalating aging patient population coupled with lengthier hospital stays, complicated patient care, and increased treatment options have placed greater demands on health care providers, yet, simultaneously, cost containment measures including restructuring, downsizing, and efficiency efforts have resulted in fewer health care providers who are expected to manage higher numbers of patients (J. Thompson,).