The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), has proposed new work-hour guidelines aimed at reducing burnout, fatigue and excessive workload among healthcare workers.
Under the proposed guidelines, healthcare personnel should work a maximum of 48 hours per week, including weekends, with authorised extra hours properly compensated.
The recommendations also include a maximum of eight hours for day shifts, six hours for afternoon shifts and 24 continuous hours of duty.
NARD is also proposing no more than two call duties per week, one weekend call per month, at least 12 hours of rest between regular shifts and a mandatory 24-hour rest period after call duty.
The association further recommends at least one hour of break after six hours of continuous work.
NARD said the proposals followed a nationwide assessment involving 6,350 healthcare personnel across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, which identified excessive working hours, fatigue, burnout and inadequate rest as major concerns.
The association said the conditions could also affect patient safety and has forwarded the proposed guidelines to Medical Directors and Chief Medical Directors for implementation.
NARD, however, said longer working hours may be permitted during genuine emergencies where patient safety and continuity of care require exceptional arrangements.
The association also disclosed plans to release a separate document addressing what it described as the casualisation and abusive locum appointments of doctors.
