Aim: To evaluate the impact of 12-hr shifts on health status, working conditions and satisfaction among nurses and healthcare auxiliaries in medical and surgical intensive care units in a general hospital.
Design: This study was a descriptive and prospective questionnaire study of personnel involved in the organization of 12-hr shifts.
Methods: The EVREST questionnaire was used, with the addition of two questions on respondents' health status and five questions on their job satisfaction. The study consisted of a first phase immediately before work was organized in 12-hr shifts and a second within 7-9 months of application of this organization.
Results: Positive effects were found among day nurses including decreased periods of pressure during the working day and improved work-life balance. Conversely, night nurses, who are not in favour of 12-hr shifts, reported dissatisfaction caused by a deterioration both in working conditions and in work-life balance.
Keywords: 12-hr shifts; general hospital; intensive care; nurses; nursing; occupational health; shift work.
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