Association Between Physician Sleep Deprivation and Diagnostic Accuracy in Emergency Services
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19137251Keywords:
Sleep deprivation, Physicians, Diagnostic accuracy, Medical errors, Emergency servicesAbstract
This study aimed to analyze, through a literature review, the association between physician sleep deprivation and diagnostic accuracy in emergency services. This is a descriptive and analytical review conducted through searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases, using descriptors related to sleep deprivation, fatigue, physicians, diagnostic errors, and emergency services. Original studies published in recent years and available in full text were included, focusing on the relationship between sleep disturbances and clinical performance. The results demonstrated a high prevalence of sleep deprivation, insomnia, and excessive sleepiness among physicians, particularly in shift work and prolonged working hours. A consistent association was observed between sleep deprivation and increased medical errors, cognitive impairment, and reduced decision-making capacity. Additionally, organizational factors such as workload and work schedules significantly influenced these outcomes. It is concluded that sleep deprivation is a relevant and potentially modifiable factor in patient safety, highlighting the need for strategies to improve working conditions and reduce fatigue-related risks in clinical practice.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Samira Fonseca Nogueira Petermann Kyono, Juan Pablo Flamini Rodrigues, Ana Júlia Rezende Vieira
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