Effects of fatigue on anaesthetist well-being and patient safety: a narrative review

The elements that render anaesthesia a captivating profession can also foster stress and fatigue. Professionals considering anaesthesia as a career choice should have a comprehensive understanding of the negative consequences of fatigue and its implications for clinical performance and of the available preventive measures. Available evidence suggests that factors unrelated to patient characteristics or condition can affect clinical outcomes where anaesthetists are involved. Workload, nighttime work, and fatigue are persistent issues in anaesthesia and are perceived as presenting greater perioperative risks to patients. Fatigue seems to negatively affect both physical and mental health of anaesthetists. Existing evidence justifies specific interventions by institutions, stakeholders, and scientific societies to address the effects of anaesthetist fatigue. This narrative review summarises current knowledge regarding the effects of fatigue on anaesthetist well-being and patient safety, and discusses potential preventive solutions.