A review of 15 studies looked at how hydration affects the work performance of healthcare workers, including nurses and medical residents. The research focused on how staying hydrated impacts physical tasks, mood, and cognitive abilities during demanding shifts.
The findings show that 60% of the studies reported a drop in physical performance when staff were dehydrated while on duty. Additionally, over half of the studies (53%) found that dehydration was linked to lower scores in mood and mental performance. These issues were especially notable for nurses on 12-hour shifts and residents working more than 24 hours.
Because there is a limited number of studies available on this specific topic, these results should be viewed as an initial look at the issue. The review notes that more research is needed to fully understand how hydration affects well-being. For now, staying hydrated is considered important for making clear decisions and providing timely care in high-pressure settings.
