Patient safety incidents in paediatric radiology: how to care for the professional?

Abstract

Patient safety incidents in paediatric radiology have profound impacts not only on the patient and their family, but also on the well-being and professional practice of healthcare professionals. These incidents, which range from procedural and diagnostic incidents to serious adverse events leading to harm or even death of the patient, may evoke feelings of distress, guilt, and anxiety among paediatric radiologists (in-training), ultimately affecting their confidence and ability to deliver high-quality care. Recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges, healthcare organizations should implement strategies to support professionals in coping with and learning from these incidents. By fostering a culture of open communication, providing access to peer support, and offering structured debriefing and educational opportunities, healthcare institutions can help mitigate the psychological toll of patient safety incidents and promote resilience among their staff. This article examines the multifaceted impacts of patient safety incidents on paediatric radiologists (in-training) and their staff and outlines effective approaches for handling these incidents to support professional well-being and enhance patient safety.

Graphical abstract