Table 5
Research team consensus for trajectory of recovery
| Stage characteristics | Common questions | |
| Stage 1 | Error realized/event recognized | How did that happen? |
| Chaos and accident response | Tell someone → get help | Why did that happen? |
| Stabilize/treat patient | ||
| May not be able to continue care of patient | ||
| Distracted | ||
| Stage 2 | Re-evaluate scenario | What did I miss? |
| Intrusive reflections | Self isolate | Could this have been prevented? |
| Haunted re-enactments of event | ||
| Feelings of internal inadequacy | ||
| Stage 3 | Acceptance among work/social structure | What will others think? |
| Restoring personal integrity | Managing gossip/grapevine | Will I ever be trusted again? |
| Fear is prevalent | How much trouble am I in? | |
| How come I can’t concentrate? | ||
| Stage 4 | Realization of level of seriousness | How do I document? |
| enduring the inquisition | Reiterate case scenario | What happens next? |
| Respond to multiple “why’s” about the event | Who can I talk to? | |
| Interact with many different “event” responders | Will I lose my job/license? | |
| Understanding event disclosure to patient/family | How much trouble am I in? | |
| Physical and psychosocial symptoms | ||
| Stage 5 | Seek personal/professional support | Why did I respond in this manner? |
| Obtaining emotional first aid | Getting/receiving help/support | What is wrong with me? |
| Litigation concerns emerge | Do I need help? | |
| Where can I turn for help? | ||
| Stage 6 | Dropping out | Is this the profession I should be in? |
| Moving on (one of three trajectories chosen) | Transfer to a different unit or facility | Can I handle this kind of work? |
| Consider quitting | ||
| Feelings of inadequacy | ||
| Surviving | How could I have prevented this from happening? | |
| Coping, but still have intrusive thoughts | Why do I still feel so badly/guilty? | |
| Persistent sadness, trying to learn from event | ||
| Thriving | What can I do to improve our patient safety? | |
| Maintain life/work balance | What can I learn from this? | |
| Gain insight/perspective | What can I do to make it better? | |
| Does not base practice/work on one event | ||
| Advocates for patient safety initiatives |
