Effects of intraoperative breaks on mental and somatic operator fatigue: a randomized clinical trial

The bottom line

Randomized evidence shows intraoperative breaks reduced operators' mental and physical fatigue without prolonging surgery — the strongest available support that breaks help clinicians at no throughput cost. Leaders can use this to counter the assumption that relief slows the OR down. The trial studied surgeons, so its transfer to anesthesia's monitoring role is plausible but unproven.

What the source found

Randomized clinical trial of intraoperative breaks on mental and somatic fatigue in surgical operators; found measurable fatigue reduction without prolonging operative time.

Limitations and applicability

Surgeon population; operating-room context differs from anesthesia monitoring role; direct extrapolation requires caution.

Population and setting

Surgeons (extrapolated to anesthesia by analogy)

Used in FairShare guides

• Break Relief, Fatigue, and Safe Handoffs

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 Rct · primary source · evidence tier 1

Source type: Peer Reviewed Rct · primary · Evidence tier 1

Topics: Break Relief, Fatigue, and Safe Handoffs

Audience: All Anesthesia Roles