AJR Podcasts Navigating the Emotional Impact of Error: AJR Podcast Series on Diagnostic Excellence and Error, Episode 8
Jan 22, 2025
In this insightful conversation, Keith Herr, a radiologist and leading voice in the psychosocial aspects of radiology, discusses the emotional toll of medical errors on practitioners. He introduces the 'second victim' phenomenon, highlighting feelings of guilt and shame experienced by radiologists. Herr emphasizes the importance of resilience and supportive workplace cultures that encourage open discussions about errors. He also shares effective coping strategies to transform mistakes into opportunities for professional growth.
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Inevitability of Medical Errors
- Medical errors are inevitable and part of human nature in radiology and healthcare.
- Errors vary from minor to significant and can involve various stages of imaging and interpretation processes.
The 'Second Victim' Concept
- The "second victim" refers to healthcare providers emotionally affected by their own errors.
- This concept is controversial due to perceptions about minimizing patient suffering but remains useful in raising awareness and support.
Emotional Toll of Errors
- Emotional reactions to errors include anxiety, shame, and fear of judgment from peers and the public.
- External pressures for perfection worsen these emotions and may negatively impact mental health and work performance.