King's College London National Nursing Research Unit Policy+

Policy+ is a publication from the National Nursing Research Unit which aims to deliver brief overviews of evidence related to current policies affecting the nursing workforce in England, the wider United Kingdom and the rest of the world.  Its aim is to make research evidence more readily available in an easily digested format for policy makers; policy implementers; practitioners; and the general public.  Recent topics include:

Issue No 38:  What are 12-hour shifts good for?

In the UK many hospitals use 12-hour shifts, believing it to be a cost-efficient means of providing 24-hour nursing care on wards. While healthcare organisations need to find ways to deliver nursing care around the clock, and efficiency is a key consideration, nurse leaders have raised concerns about whether nurses can function effectively and safely when working long hours.

This Policy+ focuses specifically on what is known about the impact of shift length on patient safety, employee health and quality of care.

Website: King's College London