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Exploring resident doctors' experience, attitudes, perceptions and beliefs about the serious incident investigatory process within mental health settings.

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Stuart WatsonORCiD, Dr Iain McKinnonORCiD

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Abstract

Background Serious incidents (SIs), such as patient suicide, profoundly impact clinicians. In mental health settings, these events are uniquely distressing. Despite policy shifts towards learning from SIs, many doctors report inadequate support and significant emotional distress. Resident doctors, already vulnerable to burnout and emotional exhaustion, are particularly at risk. Aims This study aimed to understand the experiences of resident psychiatry doctors of serious incidents. It sought to gather in depth insights about how resident psychiatrists navigate the serious incident process, and the effect the process has on their professional and personal lives. Methods A qualitative study recruited 10 participants via NHS trust email. Semi-structured online interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis, employing an iterative, constant comparative approach. Results Descriptive characteristics of the participants are reported. Three overarching themes were identified: (i) When the process becomes the experience: from theory to practice. (ii) When training meets reality. (iii) The emotional undercurrents: trauma, grief and support. The themes are broken down into three subthemes, and reported accompanied by verbatim quotes from participants. Conclusions Findings confirm prior quantitative data on SIs' negative impact on resident doctors' well-being and career confidence, highlighting the need for robust support. The study underscores the inadequacy of current support, emphasizing the need for structured peer support and improved supervisor/resident training for emotional and professional complexities. Future research should compare these findings with experiences under the new PSIRF system to assess improvements.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Harris J, Iranpour A, Watson S, McKinnon I

Publication type: Article

Publication status: In Press

Journal: BJPsych Open

Year: 2026

Acceptance date: 10/09/2026

ISSN (electronic): 2056-4724

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

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