Relationship between shift scheduling, sleep knowledge and sleep quality in medical trainees: protocol for a global cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND

Although many studies suggest that shift work and nocturnal on-call rotations are associated with adverse outcomes in medical trainees' health, evidence regarding the optimal frequency and duration of shifts that balance trainee well-being, patient safety, and medical education remains limited. Additionally, the level of medical trainees' knowledge about sleep medicine and its possible relationship with their well-being during on-call periods remains unclear.

METHODS

This study protocol was designed in collaboration between professional sleep physicians from the USA, UK, Nigeria and France as a global multi-centred, cross-sectional, online survey conducted through a secure online link (REDCap 14.0.42, Vanderbilt University, USA). The proposed design covers demographic characteristics, different specialties, work conditions, on-call situations, sleep, mood, and social issues, as well as other relevant health factors. The methodology includes univariate, multivariate analyses, and regression models. The intended analysis aims to investigate the impact of on-call duties, as well as sleep knowledge, on the sleep quality and well-being of medical trainees.

DISCUSSION

Through this study, we expect to explore how different shift scheduling patterns and levels of sleep knowledge may be associated with the sleep quality of medical trainees. In addition, cross-cultural comparisons among diverse linguistic and cultural contexts will be examined.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06706453).