Specialist registrars' emotional responses to a patient's death

Abstract

AIM: To investigate the emotional reactions of registrars following the death of a child. METHODS: A multicentre study to determine the sources of support for registrars and the use of debriefing following a child's death. A questionnaire was sent or given to registrars within the South West Region. RESULTS: There was a 75% response rate; 71% of registrars felt they had initial support but limited ongoing support and 69% of registrars supported junior colleagues. There was debriefing in 31% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: More accessible and constructive support for staff needs to be developed following a patient's death.