Establishing a Guide for Developing Organizational Support in Healthcare Following a Critical or Sentinel Event

Abstract

Health professionals require support and recognition to help manage the well-known impact of critical or sentinel events relating to patient care. The potential distress can be magnified or mitigated by the response of the organization and colleagues. However, strategies that are accessible, relevant, and effective in the aftermath of a poor outcome are not well established. Using an action research methodology, a support tool was collaboratively designed, developed, and evaluated in a maternity service of one organization and adapted to the mental health and addiction service in another. Four principles that are intrinsic to the establishment of support tools became apparent across the two settings. Through applying these criteria to the customization of the support tool, it became relevant within the new service setting, and an implementation guide for other organizations was created. Although undertaken pre-pandemic, insights derived from this study may benefit post-pandemic situations where the need for health professional support is even greater.

Emotional Responses and Support Needs of Healthcare Professionals after Adverse or Traumatic Experiences in Healthcare—Evidence from Seminars on Peer Support

“…Although research articles on the impact of adverse and unexpected outcomes in healthcare have increased dramatically in recent years [4], the literature appears to be out of reach for most HCPs; thus, the individual remains alone in their personal experience [22]. Austin et al (2022) found a socially constructed pattern of behaviour of not talking about the emotional impact of adverse events in an action research study developing and evaluating a support tool.…”

“…Although research articles on the impact of adverse and unexpected outcomes in healthcare have increased dramatically in recent years [4], the literature appears to be out of reach for most HCPs; thus, the individual remains alone in their personal experience [22]. Austin et al (2022) found a socially constructed pattern of behaviour of not talking about the emotional impact of adverse events in an action research study developing and evaluating a support tool. The silence was perpetuated since HCPs continued to behave in a way they thought was expected (hiding emotional response), and, furthermore, this perceived expectation inhibited providing supportive actions towards colleagues [22].…”

“…Austin et al (2022) found a socially constructed pattern of behaviour of not talking about the emotional impact of adverse events in an action research study developing and evaluating a support tool. The silence was perpetuated since HCPs continued to behave in a way they thought was expected (hiding emotional response), and, furthermore, this perceived expectation inhibited providing supportive actions towards colleagues [22]. Consequently, there seems to be a need for educational measures in local settings addressing the cultural barriers to disclose and normalise emotional responses to adverse events.…”

“…It seemed to resonate immensely with everyone in the room to see and recognize the emotions as they were listed on the white board. Correspondingly, Austin et al [22] found that intensifying the visibility of the impact of adverse or critical events enabled a realisation of the normality of such experiences.…”