Impact of long working hours on stress in ophthalmology physicians and residents

Monitoring of JOB STRESS Related to Night Shifts in OPHthalmology Physicians and Residents

NA · University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand · NCT04959838

This study tests how long working hours affect stress and heart health in ophthalmology doctors and residents to see if their demanding schedules are taking a toll on them.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand (other)
Locations1 site (Clermont-Ferrand)
Trial IDNCT04959838 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of prolonged work hours, up to 60 consecutive hours, on stress levels and heart rate variability in ophthalmology physicians and residents. Participants will wear monitoring devices to track heart rate, physical activity, and skin conductance over a 34-hour period, including sleep. They will also undergo a surgical simulator test and complete quality of life questionnaires to assess the impact of their working conditions. The study aims to quantify stress and fatigue levels associated with demanding work schedules in this medical specialty.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include ophthalmologists and ophthalmology residents aged 18 to 65 who are currently working in the ophthalmology department at the university hospital center of Clermont-Ferrand.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18, pregnant, breastfeeding, or unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved working conditions and mental health support for ophthalmology professionals.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on stress in medical professionals exist, this specific approach focusing on ophthalmology and prolonged work hours is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ophthalmologists defined as physicians who completed the ophthalmology DES (Specialized studies diploma), as well as ophthalmology residents defined as a resident registered in the ophthalmology DES working during the inclusion period in the ophthalmology department of the university hospital center of Clermont-Ferrand.
* Ability to give a written informed consent to participate in research.
* Affiliation to a social security system.
* Age between 18 and 65 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participant refusal to participate
* Children under the age of 18, pregnant and breastfeeding women, protected adults (individuals under guardianship by court order), adults deprived of their liberty.

Where this trial is running

Clermont-Ferrand

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stress, Heart Rate Variability, ophthalmologists, on-call duty, stress, surgical simulator, heart rate variability, sleep

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.