To Örebro University

Introduction: Health care workers (HCWs) are at high risk for occupational injuries and 10% of patients are affected by an adverse event. Knowledge about how HCWs manage these risks is needed for improved safety. The aim of this study was to explore HCWs’ experiences of workplace incidents that led to injury or posed risk for patient and worker.

Material and Methods: This study has a qualitative design using the critical incident technique and an inductive approach for analysis. Semi-structured individual interviews were held with 34 HCWs from three regions in Sweden. An Ethical board approved the study.

Results: 71 workplace incidents were identified. Team interplay and trustful relationships were highly valued for patient and worker safety. Support and validation from colleagues and managers were important for disclosure. Insufficient manager response and unsatisfactory opportunities to debrief the incident could shape persistent negative emotions. Fear of being hurt was evident as well as sadness over being injured at work, and the HCWs described shame and self-regret. When the workplace had not taken the expected actions, anger and resignation were expressed turning into long-term distress.

Conclusions: Work situations leading to injury or posing risk for patient and HCW injury are emotionally distressing for HCWs. Team interplay may facilitate safe and dynamic practice and help HCWs to overcome negative emotions, but organizational support is imperative for individual closure. For safer healthcare for both patients and workers, employers need to develop strategies for active risk management and support after an incident.