The importance of debriefing
The process of debriefing following an event can be underrated in the veterinary workplace. However, debriefing is a free, simple and effective tool that can aid in improving performance and clinical outcomes and has been shown to enhance patient welfare [ 5 ]. For example, following a cardiopulmonary resuscitation( CPR) event, a debriefing can provide an outlet for all members of staff to express concerns or suggest ways to improve collectively as a team. Psychological safety significantly impacts on the debriefing stage following a traumatic event encountered by the veterinary team.
Santos et al. [ 3 ] found that psychologically safe workplaces, fostered through humble leadership, promote openness around error disclosure and continuous improvement, ultimately enhancing team performance and patient safety. This is because individuals feel comfortable in sharing their questions, ideas, concerns or mistakes without fear of punishment or feeling humiliated for speaking up. When all individuals feel respected, the whole team benefits. Feelings of acceptance and confidence in opening up contribute to everyone having an improved experience in the workplace [ 1 ].
Psychological safety can support effective debriefing and contribute to improved team functioning, job satisfaction, staff retention and patient safety. It encourages open communication, collaboration and reflection, allowing team members to speak up, discuss mistakes and identify opportunities for improvement. Some of the known benefits are as follows:
• Job satisfaction and team involvement
• Increased confidence with training and preparation
• Collaboration and improved personal growth
• Improved patient care and patient outcomes
• Team bonding and understanding [ 1, 6, 7 ].
When good psychological safety is promoted within a veterinary team, staff feel safe and able to discuss any feelings around potential adverse outcomes. These feelings have been linked to high job strain, burnout, depression and suicide, which are widespread within the veterinary profession [ 8 ]. Therefore, it is important to ensure team members feel safe within the workplace and allow positive interactions built on trust and support to help individuals flourish within the team [ 9 ].
Jones [ 10 ] highlights how debriefing following stressful clinical events permits acknowledgement of feelings and helps promote mental wellbeing, ultimately improving leadership and psychological safety for all those involved in cardiopulmonary arrest events [ 8 ].
Processes that improve patient outcomes and psychological safety
Preparation
Preparation has proven benefits in emergency situations and ensures these situations proceed as smoothly as possible [ 11 ]. Preparedness is focused on ensuring equipment is readily available, and staff are trained and are aware of where to access emergency drugs and intervention equipment. It is advised that a CPR crash trolley be stocked and kept readily available for use in the event of an emergency, in a location recognised by all members of staff [ 5 ]. This approach can be completed with scenario-based training carried out regularly to maintain familiarity and emergency readiness [ 12 ].
Common crash trolley supplies [ 13 ]
This list is not exhaustive and can be amended according to individual practice requirements.
• Laryngoscope
• Endotracheal tubes( a range of sizes)
• Syringes( a range of sizes)
• Needles( a range of sizes)
• Intravenous catheters( a range of sizes)
• Tape for fixing catheter in place
• Intravenous fluids( monitor expiry dates)
• Resuscitation bag( Ambu bag)
• Monitoring equipment such as ECG, pulse oximeter, capnograph, blood pressure monitor
• Emergency drug table showing dose rates
• Drugs commonly used in an emergency:
• Aminophylline
• Atipamezole
• Atropine
• Calcium gluconate
• Dexamethasone
• Dextrose 50 %
• Diphenhydramine
• Epinephrine
• Furosemide
• Naloxone
• Vasopressin
24 Veterinary Nursing Journal