Specialist registrars' emotional responses to a patient's death.

Abstract

To investigate the emotional reactions of registrars following the death of a child. 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. 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. More accessible and constructive support for staff needs to be developed following a patient's death.