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This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: AJPH.2005.078782v1 97/Supplement_1/S88    most recent Submit a response Purchase Article View Shopping Cart Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Burgess, P. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Burgess, P. A.

Paula A. Burgess, MD, MPH

At the time of writing, the author was with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga.

Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be sent to Paula Burgess, CDC/NCIPC/DIR, 4770 Buford Hwy NW, Mail Stop F-41, Atlanta, GA 30333 (e-mail: pburgess{at}cdc.gov).

ABSTRACT

Since September 11, 2001, and the consequent restructuring of the US preparedness and response activities, public health workers are increasingly called on to activate a temporary round-the-clock staffing schedule. These workers may have to make key decisions that could significantly impact the health and safety of the public.

The unique physiological demands of rotational shift work and night shift work have the potential to negatively impact decisionmaking ability. A responsible, evidence-based approach to scheduling applies the principles of circadian physiology, as well as unique individual physiologies and preferences. Optimal scheduling would use a clockwise (morning-afternoon-night) rotational schedule: limiting night shifts to blocks of 3, limiting shift duration to 8 hours, and allowing 3 days of recuperation after night shifts.