The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education is contemplating lifting a ban on the number of hours resident physicians work, raising questions about patient concerns, according to Forbes.
Here are five key thoughts:
1. This week, ACGME sought opinions from healthcare groups in Chicago on whether to keep or remove the limit on residents' hours.
2. Those opposing the lift argue the increased hours will compromise a physician's ability to work due to lack of sleep.
3. When the ACGME imposed more strict hours for first-year residents in 2011, research indicated long hours could lead to medical errors.
4. However, some argue handing a patient's care off to other health professionals could be detrimental to a patient's care and lead to potential medical errors.
5. In April, ACGME said it will post its recommendations for Congress on resident duty hours for public comment.
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