@article{1443, author = {Jason Rodriquez and Susan D. Scott}, title = {When Clinicians Drop Out and Start Over after Adverse Events.}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: The impact of adverse clinical events on health care workers has become a growing topic of research. Previous research has confirmed that after adverse clinical events, clinical staff often feel as though they failed not only their patient but also themselves, resulting in second-guessing of their clinical skills, competencies, and even career choices. This exploratory study reports on the experiences of health care providers who changed career paths as a consequence of an adverse clinical event.

METHODS: The authors designed a 39-question survey capturing personal and professional demographics, participant recall of the clinical event, insights into their lived experiences, health care institutions' response(s) to the event, decision-making influences relating to future employment, and insights into interventional strategies.

RESULTS: Consistent with prior research, clinicians reported a pattern of inadequate social support after the event. Results further show the salience of emotional labor as a driving force among those who changed roles. In clinicians' own assessments about the lasting impact of the event, many felt less joy and meaning in their new clinical roles, but others thrived by rededicating their careers toward implementing patient safety initiatives and enhancing peer-support networks. Clinicians reported a desire for more transparency and support to help them recover.

CONCLUSION: Clinicians aligned their emotional displays to be consistent with organizational expectations, resulting in suppressed feelings of guilt and shame that may have contributed to burnout, changed roles, or even premature retirement. Study findings highlight the need to develop better support systems for clinicians who are party to an adverse clinical event.

}, year = {2018}, journal = {Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf}, volume = {44}, pages = {137-145}, month = {12/2018}, issn = {1553-7250}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcjq.2017.08.008}, language = {eng}, }