Specialist registrars' emotional responses to a patient's death.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Baverstock
A
A
Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, Somerset, UK. annabav@hotmail.com
Finlay
F
F
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001601:Bereavement; D002648:Child; D004644:Emotions; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D016272:Occupational Health; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000592:standards; D010372:Pediatrics