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Background
Research on critical incidents (CIs) has focused on prehospital, emergency, and critical care settings. CIs happen in all settings, including medical-surgical and outpatient units.
Purpose
Explore impact of CIs (traumatic events that initiate crisis response) on a variety of healthcare professionals (HCPs).
Methods
Qualitative methods were used to collect self-identified CIs from 11 HCPs. Researchers developed an interview guide of open-ended questions to inquire about impacts after a CI. Probing questions addressed support and barriers encountered after a CI. Applied thematic analysis was used.
Findings
Discussed CIs included deaths, incidents of workplace bullying, and cases of assault. Themes were as follows: critical incidents happen and are not forgotten, the many impacts of critical incidents, navigating through critical incidents, and barriers to navigating after critical incidents.
Limitations and Implications
Limitations include a small sample from three different professions. HCPs should expect CIs to occur. They should develop navigational strategies and decrease barriers to navigation after a CI. Efforts to promote a healthy work environment and supportive culture should be undertaken.
Conclusion
CIs occur in all settings and HCPs must be prepared to manage ensuing impacts. Effective navigational strategies are needed to enhance recovery so HCPs can remain in the workplace. Workplace culture was found to be both a support and a barrier to navigation. Efforts to decrease barriers and build a supportive culture that strengthens HCPs as a valued asset are needed.
While teaching a class for registered nurses (RNs), one of the authors of this article was involved in a discussion of emotionally challenging cases. All participants recalled one or more such cases and were impassioned to share their experiences. These healthcare professionals (HCPs) still were impacted by these cases. Such critical incidents (CIs) first were described by emergency medical services, fire, and law enforcement personnel. In a seminal paper, Mitchell (1983) coined the term critical incident and defined it as follows:
Any situation faced by emergency personnel that causes them to experience unusually strong emotional reactions which have the potential to interfere with their ability to function either at the scene or later...all that is necessary is that the incident, regardless of the type, generate unusually strong feelings. (p. 36)
HCPs in any healthcare setting may be involved in situations that meet...