Evaluating support for the debrief process for paediatric oncology trainee doctors and newly appointed consultants after child death - Summary - MDSpire
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Evaluating support for the debrief process for paediatric oncology trainee doctors and newly appointed consultants after child death
To assess the psychological support needs of pediatric oncology trainees and early-career consultants after the death of a child.
Approach:
Local Survey: Conducted a local survey of pediatric oncology trainee doctors at a principal treatment centre (PTC).
National Survey: Distributed a national survey via the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group Connect and the Paediatric Oncology Trainee Group.
Key Findings:
All local survey respondents agreed that caring for children with cancer is emotionally challenging. 16 doctors responded to the local survey.
53% of national survey respondents indicated that the emotional nature of their job negatively affects their well-being. 15 resident doctors and early career consultants completed the national survey.
67% reported that their experiences contribute to feelings of burnout.
Access to emotional support was found to be highly variable nationally.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
The study was conducted as a service evaluation, thus formal ethical approval was not required.
Sample sizes for both surveys were relatively small.
