Responding to the sudden death of a doctor or dentist in training
These resources were commissioned by Conference of Postgraduate Medical Deans of the United Kingdom. The development of the resources was led by NHS Education for Scotland in partnership with colleagues from Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency, Health Education and Improvement Wales and Health Education England. The resources are intended to promote learning and reflection, which can be used by those in educational roles who work with doctors or dentists in training across the UK. The resources were not designed to be used as part of a reactive response but the development team are aware they may be used in different ways.
Introduction
Those of us working in health and social care may come across situations where we experience the sudden death of a doctor or dentist in training. Knowing what to say and do in these situations to provide support to ourselves and others can be challenging and naturally people may feel apprehensive.
The resources are intended to be used by medical and dental education teams of educators, training programme directors, clinical supervisors, and administrators across the UK. They are anticipated to equip medical and dental education teams to feel more confident in responding to the sudden death of a doctor or dentist in training.
The content includes illustrations of how to break the news of a death, helpful things to say and dealing with social media.
We have incorporated support for medical and dental education staff themselves, with case studies and examples of when bereavement in the workplace had been managed well.
Responding to the sudden death of a doctor or dentist in training: e-Learning module
Note: You will need to login with your Turas account to view the module below:
- Responding to the Sudden Death of a Doctor or Dentist in Training
Turas Learn is a learning platform developed by NHS Education for Scotland to support health and social care staff in Scotland. Turas is open to all and any health and social care staff outwith Scotland can register for an account. If you do not have an account then please register for a free Turas account.
The best way to explore the resources is through the e-Learning module but you can find animations and case study films that are included in the e-Learning module below. This module has been built with flexibility for you to identify the most appropriate sections, enabling you to navigate through the available resources in a learner centred manner. We hope that you find them interesting and useful.
.png?sv=2018-03-28&sr=b&sig=QPrZLlfAhiLyGIWJLWD1JBiNK6I4esHGCJ2%2FpP%2BfUS8%3D&st=2024-05-03T12%3A02%3A14Z&se=2024-05-03T13%3A07%3A14Z&sp=r){kind=logo}
Resource Feedback
To help us develop and improve this learning resource, we would be grateful if you could complete this short evaluation form once you have undertaken any of the learning contained within the resource.
Supporting Medical and Dental Education Teams with Initial Communication and Practical Tasks
Hearing the news of the death of a doctor in training can be upsetting for those who knew and worked with them, or who were involved in providing training support.
Knowing how to respond and undertake the practical and administrative tasks that are required in response can be daunting and we may feel apprehensive about providing support to those who are bereaved or affected by the death.
This video aims to offer support on how to respond and offers assistance with some of the practical tasks in this situation.
A transcript for this video can be found here.
Responding to the sudden death of a doctor or dentist in training: Looking after yourself and others
The news of the sudden or unexpected death of a doctor or dentist in training can be shocking, distressing and destabilising for those who knew and worked with them, or who are involved in providing training support.
Emotional reactions to hearing the news may have an impact on our wellbeing and ability to function, no matter what our role is.
This video aims to help medical and dental education teams to look after themselves and others in responding the sudden death of a doctor or dentist in training.
A transcript for this video can be found here.
Case studies
We have developed six case study films which highlight stories based on real-life experiences of staff working in medical education teams across the UK. They may be used as a tool to enable reflection and discussion. Although created with doctors in mind, it may also be of relevance to those dealing with the deaths of members of other professional groups.
Reflective activity
You may wish to pause and reflect after watching the films.
Here are some questions to consider in your reflections.
- What did you notice in the film?
- Is there anything you are wondering about?
- Do you have any realisations after watching the film?
- Is there anything that you may now do differently if you experience the sudden death of a doctor or dentist in training?
- How does the sudden death of a doctor or dentist in training impact on us as individuals?
- What can we learn from the films to support our own wellbeing?
Responding to the Sudden Death of a Doctor in Training – Case Study: Deanery Administrator
A short case study film made from the point of view of a Deanery Administrator on their experience of dealing with the sudden death of a doctor in training.
A transcript for this video can be found here.
Responding to the Sudden Death of a Doctor in Training - Case Study: Healthcare Chaplain
A short case study film made from the point of view of a Healthcare Chaplain on their experience of dealing with the sudden death of a doctor in training.
A transcript for this video can be found here.
Responding to the Sudden Death of a Doctor in Training - Case Study: Associate Dean
A short case study film made from the point of view of an Associate Dean on their experience of dealing with the sudden death of a doctor in training.
A transcript for this video can be found here.
Responding to the Sudden Death of a Doctor in Training - Case Study: Deanery Educator
A short case study film made from the point of view of a Deanery Educator on their experience of dealing with the sudden death of a doctor in training.
A transcript for this video can be found here.
Responding to the Sudden Death of a Doctor in Training - Case Study: Foundation School Director
A short case study film made from the point of view of a Foundation School Director on their experience of dealing with the sudden death of a doctor in training.
A transcript for this video can be found here.
Responding to the Sudden Death of a Doctor in Training - Case Study: Trainee
A short case study film made from the point of view of a trainee on their experience of dealing with the sudden death of a doctor in training.
A transcript for this video can be found here.
Contact us
For more information / queries, please contact supportarounddeath@nes.scot.nhs.uk.
To view more resources we produce, please visit the Support Around Death website.
External resources
HEE - Sudden death of doctors in training
NHS employee suicide: a postvention toolkit to help manage the impact and provide support
Responding to the death by suicide of a colleague in Primary Care: A postvention framework
Samaritans’ media guidelines for reporting suicide
Postvention guidance: supporting NHS staff after the death by suicide of a colleague