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Effect of 80-Hour Workweek on Continuity of Care

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: mcburnpg{at}musc.edu.

	Abstract

Work limitations were mandated (2003) to increase safety and improve resident lifestyle. Is clinic continuity affected? Medical University of South Carolina pediatric residents’ records for 6 months of 2002 (before regulation) and 2003 (after regulation) were reviewed. Continuity for physician formula, t tests, and multivariate linear regression were used. Continuity was calculated for 44 residents (2002) and 45 residents (2003). Mean continuity was 54% (2002) and 53% (2003; P = .5); continuity for well-child care visits was 78% (2002) and 73% (2003; P = .047). Continuity decreased most for interns (52% [2002], 47% [2003] for all visits; 76%, 67% for well-child care visits). In the multivariate model, year did not predict continuity. When only well-child care visits were considered, year showed a trend toward significance (P = .07): 2003 had less continuity. Compared with thirdyear residents, interns had 8% points less continuity for all visits (6% points less for well-child care visits). Continuity can be maintained despite regulations. Interns are most vulnerable.

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