As family physicians, meeting the immediate needs of patients and their families are always front and center, especially when it comes to resolving undue medical errors or unexpected health outcomes.
These unfortunate episodes cast a wide net in the emotional impact for all who care dearly for the patient.
Of course, physicians and their care team are also caught between the love for their patient and the psychological trauma brought on when personal blame is raised or professional knowledge is called into question.
The “second victims” who quietly emerge are often overlooked walking through the corridors of our health clinics. Come out of the shadows and hear how the darkest hours of your professional career do not have to be suffered alone. Learn how to cope with the emotional impact of adverse patient outcomes during our next Wellness Wednesdays session on Wednesday, October 17, at 12:15 p.m. EST. this webinar is free and registration is open for physicians and their care teams to participate.
“We need to recognize that physicians who face unexpected patient outcomes or acknowledged errors are also traumatized by the event or patient loss,” said Nelson Heise, clinical director at the Ohio Physicians Health Program and the facilitator of the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians’ Wellness Wednesdays program.
During this session, we will explore the psychological stages after an adverse event, understand the hallmarks of second victim syndrome, and when to seek professional rescue.
Wellness Wednesdays is a structured, bi-monthly webinar series that focuses on enhancing professional and personal wellness through the joy of medicine. The series is facilitated by a licensed health care professional, is offered free, and scheduled on a Wednesday over the typical lunch hour (12:15 – 1 p.m.)
Participants will start each session with a brief overview of the discussion topic and then led through a practical exercise that helps the participant learn through self-exploration and personal awareness. Participants will have the opportunity to share their own insight at the end of the 45-minute program and make connections with their peers who are also interested in wellness and professional satisfaction.
Webinar Series Schedule and Registration
| Date | Discussion Topic (register for a session by clicking the title) |
| October 17 12:15-1:00 p.m. |
Coping with the Emotional Impact of Adverse Patient Outcomes |
| December 12 12:15-1:00 p.m. |
Reframing Perspective: Harnessing the Power of Giving Others the Benefit of the Doubt |
Archives of the previously recorded sessions and resources can be accessed on the OAFP website.
Other resources for improving physician wellness and beating burnout are available through the OAFP website.
If you have questions about the Wellness Wednesdays program, please contact Deputy Executive Vice President Kate Mahler, CAE, or call 800.742.7327.