The 80-hour workweek restriction: How are OB/GYN resident procedure numbers affected?

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the surgical caseload in a military obstetrics and gynecology residency program, prior to and after implementation of an 80-hour workweek.

Methods. A retrospective cohort study evaluating data submitted to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for cumulative resident procedures in obstetrics and gynecology for the years before (July 2001–June 2002) and after (July 2002–June 2003) 80-hour workweek implementation. Total obstetric and gynecology procedures were examined using both the Student's paired t-test and a two-way mixed factor analysis of variance.

Results. Between July 2001 and June 2002 there were 822 gynecological cases and 3958 deliveries done by 17 OB/GYN residents; these were compared with 827 cases and 3504 deliveries done by 18 OB/GYN residents between July 2002 and June 2003 (p = 0.189). The total numbers of obstetric and gynecology cases pre- and post-80-hour workweek intervention were similar when evaluated by month (July through June of 2001/2 vs. 2002/3; p = 0.908). There was a significantly greater number of obstetrics cases compared with gynecological cases (p < 0.001) in the pre- vs. post-80-hour workweek groups; the number of gynecological cases remained constant in the post-80-hour workweek group while the obstetric numbers dropped (p = 0.001).

Conclusion. The 80-hour workweek restriction resulted in similar total numbers of obstetrics and gynecology cases, although the total number of obstetric cases per resident declined after implementation.

Keywords:

• 80-hour week
• residency
• obstetrics cases
• gynecological cases

Notes

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the United States Government. We are military service members. This work was prepared as part of our official duties. Title 17 U.S.C. 105 provides that “Copyright protection under this title is not available for any work of the United States Government.” Title 17 U.S.C. 101 defines a United States Government work as a work prepared by a military service member as part of that person's official duties.