FairShare evidence summary
Intraoperative Noise Increases Perceived Task Load and Fatigue in Anesthesiology Residents: A Simulation-Based Study
Original source published:
The bottom line
Where clinicians take their breaks matters: noisy break environments measurably increased perceived task load and fatigue in anesthesiology residents, undercutting some of the break's restorative value. Leaders designing relief systems should provision quiet break spaces, not just break coverage. As a small simulation study with subjective outcomes, the size of the real-world effect remains uncertain.
What the source found
Simulation-based study finding intraoperative noise during lunch breaks measurably increased perceived task load and fatigue relative to quiet break environments; suggests physical/acoustic environment of relief matters, not just frequency.
Limitations and applicability
Simulation setting; small sample likely; subjective task load measures.
Population and setting
Anesthesiology residents
Used in FairShare guides
About this evidence
Research question / practical issue
How does this source inform Break Relief, Fatigue, and Safe Handoffs for the population it studied?
Study design, evidence tier, and source class
Peer Reviewed Simulation Study · primary source · evidence tier 2
Source type: Peer Reviewed Simulation Study · primary · Evidence tier 2
Topics: Break Relief, Fatigue, and Safe Handoffs
Audience: Residents