Towards a sustainable workforce in the health care sector for the 21st century: Health-promoting Work Schedules (HeWoS)

Background

Much of the research that has been done on the relationship between health and shift work has focused on night shifts, but in recent years research has shown that short rest periods between two shifts, so-called “late-early shifts” or "quick returns" (QR) can also have a number of negative consequences. Furthermore, previous research has had several limitations. This is mainly related to the use of subjective data when mapping shift work exposure, but there is additionally also a lack of randomized controlled studies that investigate the effect of different working time arrangements.

Objectives

The purpose of the HeWoS project is to establish a base of knowledge about health-promoting work schedules for health workers. The project will contribute to building a productive and sustainable workforce in the health sector in the future.

The HeWoS project aims to:

1. To establish a national register for healthcare workers in the public sector based on payroll data. 
2. To examine effects of abolishing QR from the work schedule on sickness absence, turnover intention, and work-related incidents/accidents.
3. To examine the effect of QR on performance (cognitive functioning) in an experimental study. In the same experimental study, we will also identify individual differences and specific genotypes that may be related to QR tolerance. 
4. Evaluate if a low-threshold intervention, in the form of a self-help book, can improve health and reduce turnover among those who struggle with shift work disorder.
5. End the HeWoS project by arranging a conference where new knowledge about shift work, health, and work-related incidents/accidents is communicated to relevant stake holders to ensure that new knowledge is communicated and to help bridge the gap between research and practice.

Work packages in the project

The project has 5 work packages:

1. Establish a national working hour register for healthcare workers in hospitals
2. Effect of a work schedule without short rest time (<11h) between two shifts - a randomized controlled trial among healthcare workers
3. Quick Returns - Sleep, Cognitive Functions, Effects of Bright Lights and Individual Differences. An Experimental Approach 
4. The effect of a self-help book for shift work disorder – A randomized controlled trial 
5. Implementation of shift work knowledge