For years, the number of hours recent graduates of medical school could put in on a shift as interns were debated. A couple of years ago, that number was slashed, from 30 hours to 16. Among other things, the reasoning behind the change was that it would was harmful to patients to have inexperienced doctors providing treatment on so little sleep. The belief was that the long shifts led to an increase in the number of medical errors that occurred.

Not all agree that the change in length of shift hours is a good thing. Some argue the change, which was allegedly made without studying the impact it would have, impacts the quality and quantity of training an intern receives. For instance, shorter shifts make it harder for an intern to follow a patient's condition as it develops. In addition, as a result of shorter shifts many interns do not have the time to attend educational programs they would have under the previous system.

Proponents of the shorter shifts cite the commission of fewer medical errors as support for the change. In addition they point out that many against the shorter shifts were interns at a time when 30 hour shifts were the norm. They believe that the healthcare system as a whole has issues that need to be addressed rather than be attributed to the length of intern shifts.

While it is of course a good thing to examine health care policies regarding safety, to determine how they can be improved upon, medical mistakes nonetheless continue to occur. When they happen it is important for those affected to understand that they may have legal options. Depending on the situation surrounding a medical mistake, whether it be attributed to the action of an intern or a seasoned physician, a medical malpractice lawsuit may be viable.

Source: The Washington Post, "Medical interns may be more awake, but are they getting enough training?" Sandra G. Boodman, July 8, 2013