The Joint Commission has issued a Sentinel Event Alert (SEA) on the relationship between healthcare worker fatigue and patient safety. A substantial number of studies indicating that the practice of extended work hours contributes to high levels of worker fatigue and reduced productivity. These studies and others show that fatigue increases the risk of adverse events, compromises patient safety, and increases risk to personal safety and well-being. While it is acknowledged that many factors contribute to fatigue, including but not limited to insufficient staffing and excessive workloads, the purpose of this Sentinel Event Alert is to address the effects and risks of an extended work day and of cumulative days of extended work hours. For more information, click here.