full-shift system

full-shift system

One of three hospital work patterns (the others are the “on-call rota system” and the “partial-shift system”) shouldered by junior doctors in training in the UK, which is based on the “24/7” work cycle used in other services, industry and other health professions (e.g., nursing). The full shift system is appropriate for providing medical cover where the work is intensive and potentially continuous throughout the 24-hour period, as is the ITU/ICU or A&E. In such situations, the doctors on duty can be expected to spend virtually all of the duty period, except for natural breaks, working or being immediately available for work.

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