The Joint Commission Issues Sentinel Event Alert on Fatigue

In December 2011, The Joint Commission (TJC) issued a Sentinel Event Alert entitled, "Health care worker fatigue and patient safety."  The TJC policy states that it reviews organization activities in response to sentinel events in its accreditation process as part of its mission to continuously improve safety and quality of health care to the public.  While fatigue has multiple causes, the focus of this alert is on the risks of an extended work day and accumulation of such extended days, as well as their impacts on patient safety and health care worker safety.  To read the Sentinel Event Alert please click here.