A 'PEaRL' of Support and Cooperative Learning: A Pilot Study Shifting the Sands of the Dreaded Morbidity and Mortality Conference.

Background: When unanticipated and/or poor patient outcomes occur, clinicians frequently experience guilt, anger, psychological distress, and fear, which can be intensified by traditional morbidity and mortality conferences.

Methods: The Pediatric Event Review and Learning (PEaRL) curriculum was developed to discuss unanticipated and/or poor patient outcomes and foster support while highlighting foundational safety concepts. Pre- and post-implementation evaluations of quarterly cased-based sessions were completed.

Results: All respondents endorsed that unanticipated and/or poor patient outcomes affected their mood, well-being, and functioning. Post-implementation of the PEaRL curriculum, significantly more respondents endorsed existence of a safe environment and structured format to discuss these outcomes, as well as feeling more supported.

Discussion: The PEaRL curriculum provides a valuable opportunity for trainees and experienced clinicians alike to explore and discuss unanticipated and/or poor patient outcomes while addressing key patient safety principles.