What the Fika ? Implementation of Swedish Coffee Breaks During Emergency Medicine Conference

In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of incorporating Swedish-style (coffee) breaks into the didactic schedule of emergency medicine residents on their sleepiness levels during didactic sessions. Fika is a Swedish tradition that involves a deliberate decision to take a break during the workday and usually involves pastries and coffee. We used the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale to assess changes in sleepiness levels before and after the implementation of breaks. The study design involved a randomized crossover trial approach, with data collected from emergency medicine residents over a specific period. This approach was done to minimize confounding and to be statistically efficient. Results revealed the average sleepiness scale was 4.6 and 5.5 on and control days, respectively ( = 0.004). Integration of breaks positively influenced sleepiness levels, thus potentially enhancing the educational experience during residency didactics.