Fatigue simulated work performance studies

The results of this simulator-based study reveal that while low-level eognitive skills, such as those needed for the PVT are vulnerable to the effects of fatigue, the fatigue-related effects of shift work do not impact on the perceived stress, or indeed the heart rate variability of anaesthetic registrars. That is, fatigue seemed to affect some aspects of performance, but did not increase stress in the participants. Since it is possible that the fatigue may have off-set some of the potential stress, it can be concluded that there is still a need for formal education on fatigue-related error in anaesthesia. 

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