Background: In-training physicians frequently experience acute periods of sleep deprivation due to the extended durations of on-call shifts. To safeguard the well-being of residents, ensure patient safety, and optimize their performance, it becomes imperative to thoroughly assess and evaluate the cerebral function of in-training physicians subsequent to their shifts.

Objective: To elucidate the effects of the nightshifts on regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO₂) and cognitive function of 50 in-training pediatricians.

Materials and Methods: The rScO₂ was monitored using Near-infrared spectroscopy at specific intervals, pre-on-call (H0), post-call (H16), 24-hours from pre-on-call (H24), and 48-hours from pre-on-call (H48). All physicians continued their duties without a post-call day. The mathematical tests were performed at H0, H16, H24, and H48, while the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) test was conducted at H0 and H24.

Results: The mean rScO₂ at post-call at 65.8±5.3% and 24-hours from pre-on-call at 64.6±6.4%, were significantly declined from pre-on-call at 68.2±5.6% (p<0.001), and then returned to baseline at 48-hours from pre-on-call at 68.9±5.5%. The mathematical test scores were not different. The mean MoCA score was significantly decreased at 24-hours from pre-on-call at H0 with 28.4±1.4 to H24 with 27.7±1.8 (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The 16-hours nightshifts and continuous working among residents might cause a transient reduction of rScO₂, which could lead to decreased cognitive function scores. Understanding the effects of stress, fatigue, and sleep deprivation on the cognitive performance of medical residents not only benefits each individual resident, but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in medical education.

Keywords: Cerebral oxygen saturation; In-training physicians; Sleep deprivation; Work-hours; Cognitive function

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2024.2.13942

Received 16 November 2023 | Revised 3 January 2024 | Accepted 9 January 2024