Assessment of Psychometric Vigilance on Neonatal Transport: A Western Australian Experience

ObjectivesTo assess whether undertaking retrieval was associated with fatigue independent of sleep and circadian disruption. BackgroundFatigue is associated impaired clinician performance and safety. The association between shift work, sleep deprivation and circadian disruption is well established. No studies have specifically assessed the independent effect of the retrieval environment on fatigue. MethodMedical and nursing staff of the neonatal retrieval team were prospectively recruited over a 12-month period. Simple reaction times (RT) were recorded at the start and end of a day shift using a validated 3-min Psychometric Vigilance Test (PVT). ResultsEnd of shift RT increased by 6.38ms (95% CI: -2.17 to 14.92ms, p = 0.149) when retrieval was undertaken. A 1ms increase in RT increased the odds of being in a subjective sleepy category by 0.57% (log odds: 0.0057, 95% CI: 0.0036 to 0.0078). Consuming caffeine during the shift increased mean RT by 16.26 ms (95% CI: 4.43 to 28.1 ms, p <0.01). ConclusionThe 3-min PVT was found to be an easy method of objectively assessing fatigue in the retrieval setting. The effects of caffeine consumption on RT warrants further investigation. Funding/SupportThis research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. HighlightsO_LIFatigue is associated with impaired clinician performance and safety. C_LIO_LIThe 3-min PVT can easily be used as a proactive measure of performance in the retrieval setting, which in combination with fatigue surveys and sleep monitoring can form part of a comprehensive fatigue risk management system. C_LIO_LIReaction Times were observed to be slower among participants who went on a retrieval during their shift. C_LIO_LIConsuming caffeine during the shift increased mean RT. C_LI