We recognise that for anyone, being involved in a critical incident can be very traumatic, and lead to further very difficult events if it becomes a Serious Incident, subject of a legal inquiry, or referred to the Coroner’s Court. This can happen soon after the critical incident, or years later. Unfortunately it is the nature of our profession that these incidents occur, to the very best of doctors and other health professionals.
Dr Amelia Robinson has been conducting qualitative research with trainees who have been involved in critical incidents. She has produced some excellent resources for this situation (who needs to know, what process to follow) as well as an outline for all the help that is available. Please see below.
The most important thing is please talk to someone you trust - your ES, or a mentor, your TPD or Head of School. Everyone is here to support you. Ask for help if you need it. We are all only human.
Revalidation and ARCP
At your ARCP, you will be asked to complete a Form R which discloses whether you have been involved with a critical incident. Trusts are also asked to let the Deanery know if a trainee has been involved in a critical incident. There is therefore triangulation between Trust and Deanery.
As with all our practice, it is important to reflect on events. It is not necessary to upload a reflection with specific details on it for the panel to see. It is important that there is some indication that events have been reflected on, either via your own statement on the ESSR, or a statement from your ES. You may choose to upload a personal reflection to your private documents, without any details that make the case identifiable.
Steps after a critical incident
Click for guidance for Coroners Court
Reflection guide
Where to find support and advice
Resources for those involved with critical incident: Please click on the images above. There are also the following available:
Draft statement request letter
Hints and pitfalls for coroner’s court
Template contact from ES to DME
There is a whole series of free podcasts on different legal issues, including consent and regulation, numbers 23 – 28 are about inquests.