Ellen M Redinbaugh, Amy M Sullivan, Susan D Block, Nina M Gadmer, Matthew Lakoma, Ann M Mitchell et al
Redinbaugh E M, Sullivan A M, Block S D, Gadmer N M, Lakoma M, Mitchell A M et al.
Doctors' emotional reactions to recent death of a patient: cross sectional study of hospital doctors
BMJ 2003; 327 :185
doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7408.185
More research underway
EDITOR
Redinbaugh et al highlight an important and under-researched area in
their recent paper on doctor’s emotional reactions to a patient’s death 1.
They conclude that a ‘conspiracy of silence toward emotions can
potentially cause trainees to develop maladaptive coping patterns that
lead to burnout and other forms of emotional distress.’
We are currently undertaking a questionnaire based study looking at
the emotional responses of paediatric registrars and the support available
to them, following a neonatal or childhood death.
We hope to identify current practice in the aftermath of a death
particularly regarding who the registrars seek support from (and who they
need to support), the use of debriefs and the involvement of bereavement
counsellors. We aim to learn ‘what works well’ so we can build on this in
future and disseminate examples of ‘good practice’ to paediatric
colleagues.
An initial pilot study received very positive feedback. Registrars
reported wide variations in the support available, from none to a full
debrief involving the chaplain and a bereavement counsellor. 3/10 had
either had no specific training on breaking bad news or none since medical
school. All registrars continued to think of previous deaths they had
experienced from time to time, especially regarding unresolved issues and
doubts over management at the time.
We agree with Redinbaugh et al that more research is needed in this
area and plan to investigate further in our main study.
Anna Baverstock SpR and Fiona Finlay consultant community
paediatrician.
Community Child Health department, Bath NHS House, Bath, BA1 3QE.
1.Redinbaugh et al. Doctor’s emotional reactions to recent death of a
patient: cross sectional study of hospital doctors. BMJ 2003;327:185-189
(26 July)
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests