A qualitative evaluation of the hot debrief/follow-up initiative: implications of readily identifying positive outcomes in an Australian emergency department

Aim:To gain insight into how emergency department nurses and doctors perceive the experience of being offered the opportunity to request a patient follow-up as part of a structured debrief initiative.

Background:An increased prevalence of burnout and compassion fatigue amongst emergency clinicians is being recognized globally. A wellbeing initiative has been implemented within a large public hospital emergency department to combat these phenomena.

Methods:A qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews was carried out to explore the participants' views relating to the debrief/follow-up initiative.

Results:A total of 17 face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted. This research highlighted a number of common themes including the participants understanding and perception of the follow up initiative, the barriers and enablers of effective implementation, and the perceived benefits of following up on patient outcomes in the emergency setting. This research identified unanimous support for the initiative. No negative implications relating to the initiative were identified.

Conclusion:This study indicates the positive impacts of employing a deliberate and formalized approach to enabling staff to access follow-up information about the patients for whom they provide life-giving care.

Implications for nursing management:Nurse Unit Managers should consider the findings of this research and understand the crucial role that nursing leadership can play in fostering the design and implementation of similar initiatives.