Citation

Knott M, Classen S, Krasniuk S, Tippett M, Alvarez L. Inj. Prev. 2018; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/injuryprev-2018-042972

PMID

30554167

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The majority of shift workers experience insufficient sleep as a result of their employment. Insufficient sleep is associated with impaired neurocognitive functioning, affecting key skills required for driving, resulting in shift workers experiencing a disproportionate burden of RTC injuries and fatalities. Yet, to our knowledge, no systematic literature review (SLR) exists to critically appraise and synthesise evidence on the determinants of fitness to drive (assessed on-road) and driving performance (assessed in a driving simulator) in shift workers with insufficient sleep.

OBJECTIVES: A SLR protocol is established to conduct analysis and synthesis of the level of evidence and confidence in the determinants of fitness to drive and driving performance, among shift workers with insufficient sleep.

METHODS: This study follows Cooper and Hedges' established SLR methodology: formulate the problem, locate and select studies, collect data, appraise critically, analyse and present data, interpret results and disseminate information. Critical appraisal and analysis follows the 2017 American Academy of Neurology guidelines determining the level of evidence and the level of confidence for each determinant identified in the literature. Protocol and results reporting adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS: This SLR contributes to research evidence examining the impact of insufficient sleep and driver sleepiness on fitness to drive and driving performance. Analysis of the level of evidence and level of confidence in the existing literature will advance evidence-informed prevention strategies and critical decision-making, to mitigate adverse effects of insufficient sleep for improving road safety.

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2018. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Language: en

Keywords

fatigue; motor vehicle; systematic review