Doctors' training and the European Working Time Directive.

摘要

On June 9, a review of the effect of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) on the quality of medical training in England was released. The Directive, which came into force in Europe on Aug 1, 2009, affects doctors in training by limiting the average working week to 48 h. Despite the 48-h working week, a British Medical Association (BMA) survey of junior doctors showed that more than half still worked more than 56 h per week, to fill rota gaps or because of perceived pressure to work additional hours. The EWTD necessitated a move to working shifts and thus fewer training opportunities, which generally occur during office hours. Widespread concern emerged about maintaining a sufficient quantity of training. Additionally, hospitals were often unable to fill the rota with the staff available, resulting in gaps.