Resident job satisfaction and quality of life before and after work hour reform.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of limiting work hours for obstetrics/gynecology residents on working conditions, job satisfaction and quality of life. STUDY DESIGN: A survey assessing hours worked, working conditions, job satisfaction and quality of life during residency was sent to 10 current residents and 25 residency graduates. Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology scores were also examined. RESULTS: The average hours worked per week dropped (89 to 82.5, p < 0.02). Hours of sleep obtained on call decreased (3 to 2, p < 0.008). Overall, 25% of subjects reported that their clinical judgment was adversely affected by a 24-hour shift and 64% by a 36-hour shift. Seven percent of subjects reported that a 24-hour shift affected their surgical performance, while 54% reported that their surgical skills were adversely affected by a 36-hour shift. Satisfaction with work and Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology scores did not vary significantly. There was an improvement in residents' satisfaction with personal life (2.8 to 1.8 average rating, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education reforms improved resident's satisfaction with their personal lives but not CREOG scores or satisfaction with work.