Trainees' attitudes to shift work depend on grade and specialty. (Letters).(Brief Article)

EDITOR--How doctors in training view the changes in their working pattern that will be required by the European working time directive is not known. (1) By 2004 it will limit their continuous working to no more than 13 hours in 24. As work has been defined as being at the workplace on duty, even if sleeping, this will mean shift work for those who must be resident when on call.

Some British doctors in training have indicated that they are opposed to any reduction in working hours because of the impact on the experience or the education they would acquire. (2) Others have been opposed to the idea of shift work because of the impact on their personal or social lives. …