Learning from critical incidents

Critical incidents are common in health and social care settings and can have a significant impact on practitioners’ wellbeing and professional practice. Regardless of our proficiency in managing and learning from such incidents, a crisis can reverberate throughout an organisation, creating what can be described as a ‘perfect storm’ – a convergence of events or circumstances that have the potential to bring adversity to individuals and organisations. 

Health and social care professionals can learn valuable lessons from critical incidents by engaging in reflective practice. This involves systematically analysing these experiences to gain insights, improve skills, and inform future actions. When confronted with a critical incident, we should reflect on the following aspects:

1. What happened? Take time to understand the sequence of events leading up to and during the incident. Identify key factors and contributing elements.

2. How did I respond? Reflect on your own actions, decisions, and emotions during the incident. Consider whether your responses were effective and aligned with best practices.

3. What went well? Acknowledge any positive outcomes or successful interventions. Identify the strengths and competencies you demonstrated during the incident.

4. What could have been improved? Identify areas where your response might have been more effective or where mistakes were made. Consider alternative approaches or strategies that you might have used.

5. What have I learned? Extract key insights and learning from the incident. Reflect on how this experience can inform your future practice and decision-making.

By engaging in reflective practice, individuals can transform critical incidents into opportunities for growth, learning, and professional development.Secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma, refers to the emotional and psychological distress experienced by individuals who are indirectly exposed to traumatic events through their work or relationships with people who have directly experienced trauma. 

Symptoms may include emotional exhaustion or burnout, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, intrusive thoughts or memories, increased irritability or mood swings, and difficulties concentrating or making decisions. Guidance for health and social care practitioners on recognising and managing secondary trauma is available here.