Effectiveness of Organisational Support for Healthcare Professionals Involved in Clinical Incidents: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review.

Aim

To systematically identify and synthesise the existing literature on the effectiveness of organisational support for healthcare professionals after clinical incidents.

Design

Convergent-integrated mixed methods systematic review approach.

Methods

Quantitative data were 'qualitised' as text descriptions and pooled with qualitative extracts for thematic synthesis to categorise findings by similarity in meaning and develop analytical themes. DATA SOURCES CINAHL Ultimate, MEDLINE (PubMed) and Web of Science were searched. Primary quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies written in English and published within 2013-2026 met the eligibility criteria. Thirty-six quality appraised studies were included: 16 quantitative, 10 qualitative and 10 mixed methods.

Results

The most prevalent support approaches included peer support programmes, leadership support, debriefings and employee assistance programmes. Strong support, especially from healthcare leaders, mitigated the emotional and professional disruption which was linked to enhanced job satisfaction, reduced staff turnover and positive workplace cultures. A lack of support or punitive approaches exacerbated distress, hindered recovery and increased intentions to leave the professions.

Conclusions

The establishment of robust systems and proactive engagement from healthcare leaders contributed to reducing psychological, physical and professional distress. Yet, when organisations failed to provide adequate support, trust eroded and intentions to leave the profession increased. IMPLICATION FOR THE PROFESSION Improved organisational support has the potential to counteract attrition in healthcare professionals and impact on projected international workforce shortages. IMPACT Healthcare professionals may feel traumatised following clinical incidents. Healthcare leaders can mitigate emotional and professional disruption. Organisations, healthcare leaders and policy makers can strengthen the provision of workplace support. REPORTING

Method

Updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT No patient or public contribution. REGISTRATION https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/CRD42023460099, registered 17 December 2023.