The role of talking (and keeping silent) in physician coping with medical error: A qualitative study

Psychological responses, coping and supporting needs of healthcare professionals as second victims

“…). In agreement, May & Plews‐Ogan () explained that physicians found conversations with patients and families comprising of apology and disclosure important for positive coping and recovery. Nevertheless, numerous studies identified that interaction with patients and their family was not a primary coping strategy (Harrison et al.…”

“…While young general practitioners were more inclined to tell their colleague or supervisors, their more experienced counterparts would be more likely to apologize to the patient for an error (Nevalainen et al 2014). In agreement, May & Plews-Ogan (2012) explained that physicians found conversations with patients and families comprising of apology and disclosure important for positive coping and recovery. Nevertheless, numerous studies identified that interaction with patients and their family was not a primary coping strategy (Harrison et al 2015;Hobgood et al 2005;Mankaka et al 2014;O'Beirne et al 2012;Schelbred & Nord 2007), and Engel et al (2006) recognized inadequate exploration on residents' error disclosure to patients that would need further research but still concluded on the insignificance of disclosure as a coping method.…”

“…Talking and sharing experiences with medical colleagues, family or friends were critical coping mechanisms of seeking social support unanimously identified in multiple studies (Engel et al 2006;Luu et al 2012;Mankaka et al 2014;May & Plews-Ogan 2012;O'Beirne et al 2012;Schelbred & Nord 2007). This reflected a key coping method, for it alleviated second victims' sense of guilt, self-doubt and isolation, and offered opportunities for learning and change (Engel et al 2006).…”

“…However, not all conversations were helpful. Conversations which were insensitive, dishonest, protective towards oneself and minimized the trauma impeded healing (May & Plews-Ogan 2012).…”

“…Kershaw (2007) elaborated that feedback served as reassurance for erring midwives. Comparatively, physicians indicated a greater desire to learn from the encounter than to receive reassurance (May & Plews-Ogan 2012). A survey found that a majority of doctors (87%) were inclined to approach a mentor in an event's aftermath, but only 5.5% had a formal mentor (Harrison et al 2014).…”