Abstract
This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Caring for the dying patient can have significant impact on physicians in training, and if unaddressed, can lead to burnout and potentially compromised patient care. The literature suggests didactics and real time supportive interventions such as "post code debriefs" may be most effective in addressing the impact of death on physicians. In this paper, we highlight and discuss a reflection that is conducted several days after the event, when resident physicians are more self-aware of their mental hygiene and the residual impact of challenging event on their personal and professional well-being.
Highlights
Caring for the dying patient can have significant impact on physicians in training, and if unaddressed, can lead to burnout and potentially compromised patient care
Many residency programs have some structured well-being or wellness curricula in the form of didactics, and some may have an immediate post-resuscitation "debrief the grief" meeting that at least allows residents to minimally acknowledge the human side of such losses with a few minutes pause before rushing on to the patient (Eng et al 2015)
The seventh day is not designated based on scientific analysis about the optimal timing for such an intervention, but rather because it likely represents the temporal window when residents may have become clearly aware that they need an opportunity for emotional expression, discussion and guidance
Summary
"I am unable to go on vacation because I am sad and torn about a recent patient death," lamented a resident during routine patient care. Facing an unexpected mortality can be bewildering for trainees with little preparedness or coping skills Processing such experiences in small reflection groups is important for resident resilience, well-being and professional identity development. CISD usually occurs immediately in the aftermath of a major disaster, and is designed to support overwhelmed disaster responders They are heavily structured, time intensive, and are conducted by trained facilitators (True 1999). We urge residency programs to develop their own unique intervention occurring about one week after such an experience occurs, especially to address "self-blame." we utilize what we term the Day Seven Reflection Circle, a mechanism available as residents are more self-aware of their mental hygiene and the residual impact of challenging event on their personal and professional well-being.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
