In efforts to improve the quality of nighttime or weekend healthcare, hospitals are increasingly hiring "nocturnists," experienced physicians who work overnight and provide patient care outside the emergency department, according to a Washington Post news report.
Medical studies have frequently suggested patients experience high rates of mortality, complications and medical errors when staying at a hospital overnight or over the weekend. Part of the problem is due to less access to nursing and physicians and a higher demand for those who are on call during those times, according to the news report.
According to the news report, some 1,500 hospitals employ at least one nocturnist. Just a decade ago, fewer than 100 hospitals did so. If a hospital does not directly employ a nocturnist, hospitals are also increasingly turning to hospitalist groups for nighttime and weekend coverage.
Nocturnists usually command higher compensation but work fewer hours during the week, according to the news report.
Read the news report about nocturnists.
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Medical studies have frequently suggested patients experience high rates of mortality, complications and medical errors when staying at a hospital overnight or over the weekend. Part of the problem is due to less access to nursing and physicians and a higher demand for those who are on call during those times, according to the news report.
According to the news report, some 1,500 hospitals employ at least one nocturnist. Just a decade ago, fewer than 100 hospitals did so. If a hospital does not directly employ a nocturnist, hospitals are also increasingly turning to hospitalist groups for nighttime and weekend coverage.
Nocturnists usually command higher compensation but work fewer hours during the week, according to the news report.
Read the news report about nocturnists.
Related Articles on Hospitalists:
Florida Physician Files Complaint Against Hospitalist Blamed for Patient's Death
Academic Hospitalists Earn $173K, Less Than Non-Academic Counterparts
Cogent Healthcare Merges With Hospitalists Management Group