Clinical learning environments are fast‑paced and demanding, so experiencing mental and physical fatigue is inevitable. However, there is a simple, evidence-based way to maintain your energy and help you manage the risks of fatigue during clinical work:
Taking short, intentional breaks to “refuel”.
Research shows that even brief pauses throughout the workday can reduce physical, cognitive and decision fatigue, and improve focus, accuracy and clinical judgment (Caldwell et al., 2019; Lerman et al., 2012; Sutherland et al., 2023). As such, they can make a meaningful difference in your personal well-being, as well as the quality of care you provide to your patients.
How to Take 5
Choose one small action, several times a day, to briefly reset your body or attention:
Hydrate
Get fresh air and natural light
Eat a healthy snack
Take a few slow, deep breaths / engage in a 5 min. guided meditation practice
Connect with a colleague (or a loved one via phone)
Move your body (stretch, take the stairs, go on a short walk)
Listen to a favorite, uplifting song
This initiative is brought to you by the Office of Medical Learner Affairs (OMLA) and Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME).
References
Caldwell, J. A., Caldwell, J. L., Thompson, L. A., & Lieberman, H. R. (2019). Fatigue and its management in the workplace. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 96: p. 272-289. DOI:
Lerman, S. E., Eskin, E., Flower, D. J., George, E. C., Gerson, B., Hartenbaum, N., Hursh, S. R., Moore-Ede, M. (2012). ACOEM Presidential Task Force on Fatigue Risk Management: Fatigue Risk Management in the Workplace. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 54(2):p 231-258 | DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e318247a3b0
Sutherland, C., Smallwood, A., Wootten, T., & Redfern, N. (2023). Fatigue and its impact on performance and health. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 84(2): p 1-8 |