Regrets in Healthcare: Experiences of Physicians and Nurses
Author Information
Author(s): Courvoisier Delphine S., Agoritsas Thomas, Perneger Thomas V., Schmidt Ralph E., Cullati Stéphane
Primary Institution: University Hospitals of Geneva
Hypothesis
What are the feelings associated with regretted clinical decisions or interventions among hospital-based physicians and nurses?
Conclusion
Healthcare providers experience intense regrets that can lead to negative consequences like sleep problems and turnover, but also motivate changes in practice.
Supporting Evidence
- All interviewees reported at least one intense regret.
- Regret was linked to sleep problems and absenteeism.
- Respondents used various coping strategies, including seeking support from peers.
Takeaway
Doctors and nurses often feel regret about their decisions, which can make them sad or stressed, but talking about it with friends can help them feel better.
Methodology
Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 25 healthcare professionals from Swiss University Hospitals.
Potential Biases
Participants were volunteers, which may lead to an overrepresentation of those with stronger feelings of regret.
Limitations
The sample size was small and may not represent all healthcare providers; recall bias may affect the accuracy of reported regrets.
Participant Demographics
12 physicians (4 female, 5 senior) and 13 nurses (11 female, 3 senior) with a mean age of 40 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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