Debriefing is well established in healthcare teams after acute events, with a focus on clinical learning, improving practice and performance; however, the term is perceived by psychologists as something quite different. This article describes the Time Out model as a standardised method of providing support to staff after events that may cause distress. In addition to exploring clinical issues, the model aims to promote peer support networks, educate staff regarding common reactions to traumatic events and signpost to other sources of support.
The pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented amount of attention being given to the psychological wellbeing of healthcare staff. But the role of psychological interventions has been controversial, particularly in the context of psychological debriefing. This paper sets out the reflections of a group of psychologists involved in delivering these interventions for many years together with suggestions for how we move forward.
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