ICOMPARE is conducting a study allowing medical students to work 28-hour shifts, which the American Medical Student Association and Public Citizen, a watchdog group, say put the residents at risk, according to Motherboard.
Here are five key takeaways:
1. The AMSA and Public Citizen report the "unethical" trial puts medical students at risk of car accidents, needle-stick injuries and depression.
2. The ongoing study is testing whether working 28-hour shifts impacts a medical student's ability to care for patients. First-year medical U.S. residents are allowed to work 16-hour shifts.
3. While the AMSA and Public Citizen are imploring ICOMPARE to suspend the trial, researchers claim longer shifts improve resident training and ultimately, patient care.
4. A similar study, FIRST, found surgical residents who worked longer hours did not pose a greater risk to patients.
5. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Human Research Protections is reviewing the allegations.
More healthcare news:
7 things for ASC leaders to know for Thursday — March 10, 20
7 key concepts from the CMS value-based payment modifier program for 2016
Connecticut lawmakers examine 6% ASC tax repeal legislation: 4 things to know