CICM SAQ 2010.2 Q18
Questions
A junior trainee in distress has asked to speak to you regarding a medical error she has committed that has resulted in a life-threatening adverse outcome for the patient.
Outline the key points of the initial discussion with the trainee.
Answers
Answer and interpretation
The key points that the candidate needs to cover are:1. Facilitating the initial critical incident debrief of the Registrar and allowing him/her to vent and tell his/her version of events2. Ensuring there is ongoing psychological and emotional support for the Registrar
- Give him/her the option of standing down for the rest of the shift or providing
- support if he/she chooses to stay
- Arranging a mentor within the department (eg SOT)
- Ensuring there is back-up from friends/family at home
- Offering professional counselling
3. Providing advice on the medico-legal process that will ensue
- Open disclosure with family
- Need for comprehensive and accurate documentation in records and factual account for registrar’s own records
- Early contact with medical defence organisation and hospital medico-legal advisors
- Reporting to coroner if/when the patient dies
- The event will be the subject of a Root Cause Analysis by the hospital
4. Counselling with regards to future career and training
5. Arrange follow-up meeting with mentor and departmental head for next day
Examination Library
CICM
Chris is an Intensivist and ECMO specialist at The Alfred ICU, where he is Deputy Director (Education). He is a Clinical Adjunct Associate Professor at Monash University, the Lead for the Clinician Educator Incubator programme, and a CICM First Part Examiner.
He is an internationally recognised Clinician Educator with a passion for helping clinicians learn and for improving the clinical performance of individuals and collectives. He was one of the founders of the FOAM movement (Free Open-Access Medical education) has been recognised for his contributions to education with awards from ANZICS, ANZAHPE, and ACEM.
His one great achievement is being the father of three amazing children.
On Bluesky, he is @precordialthump.bsky.social and on the site that Elon has screwed up, he is @precordialthump.
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