Fatigue Assessment Matrix
The fatigue assessment matrix was developed as part of the Safer Nursing 24/7 project, using data from the 2016 - 2017 nationwide survey of registered and enrolled nurses, and follows the approach used in the Australian Medical Association National Code of Practice – Hours of Work, Shift Work and Rostering for Hospital Doctors. The matrix can be used to assess the fatigue-related risk associated with a particular roster. Higher matrix scores predicted higher likelihood of fatigue-related outcomes. The matrix matrix is scored on work in the last 7 days and summarised below and a spreadsheet is provided for download.
Risk factor | Lower fatigue, score 0 | Significant fatigue, score 1 | Higher fatigue, score 2 |
1. Total hours worked | ≤40 | 40 h+ to 48 h | >48 h |
2. Shift extensions ≥30 min | None | ≤50% of days worked | >50% of days worked |
3. Breaks <9 h between shifts | 0 | 1 | >1 |
4. Number of nights | 0 | 1-2 | >2 |
5. Number of breaks ≥24 h between shifts | ≥2 | 1 | 0 |
6. Roster change | no | Roster change requested | Roster change not requested |
7. Number of nights sleep (2300 - 0700) | 6-7 nights | 4-5 nights | 0-3 nights |
8. Number of nights got enough sleep to be fully rested | 6-7 days | 4-5 days | 0-3 days |