Introduction
In the fast-paced and high-stakes world of healthcare, every decision can have life-altering consequences. Healthcare professionals, often working irregular hours, are particularly vulnerable to disruptions in their circadian rhythms—the natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Even with adequate sleep, misalignment of these rhythms can significantly impair cognitive function, decision-making abilities, and error prevention skills. Recognizing these challenges, our research delves into the cognitive effects of shift work and circadian disruption, aiming to enhance the standard of care through improved understanding and innovative solutions.
Objectives
Our research is driven by two primary objectives:
- Investigating Cognitive Function Across the Day: We will conduct a comprehensive study to analyze how cognitive processing varies throughout the day for non-shift workers. By employing a rigorous, theory-based methodology, we aim to create a detailed profile of cognitive performance influenced by natural circadian rhythms. This baseline data will then be compared with that of night-shift workers to identify specific impacts of circadian disruption.
- Exploring Technological Interventions: In addition to understanding cognitive fluctuations, we aim to explore how technology can either exacerbate or alleviate the negative effects of shift work. Our goal is to design human-centric, accommodating interfaces that serve as cognitive support systems, ultimately reducing error rates and enhancing decision-making quality in healthcare settings.
People
This project is being developed by Dr Diego Garaialde, with Prof Anna Cox and Dr David Coyle (UCD).
