Post Event Huddle (PEH) FAQs

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When should I consider having a Post Event Huddle?

A Post Event Huddle should be considered after incidents which are stressful and difficult (eg) rapidly deteriorating patients, rare events or situations which have caused distress for the patient, carers or staff.

 

Who should lead the Post Event Huddle?

Ideally, this should a senior member of the team.

 

How long does a Post Event Huddle take?

5 – 10 minutes

 

Where should the Post Event Huddle occur?

In a private area separate from patients

 

Who should attend the Post Event Huddle?

All team members who were at the event should be invited to attend

 

Why is a Post Event Huddle helpful?

There are a number of reasons a PEH may be helpful. These include:

 

• It provides an opportunity for thank the team members for their contribution

• A summary of the event can ensure there is a shared understanding of what happened. Without this, some team members may feel confused or concerned about the patient’s care

• It acknowledges that acute events have differing effects on people

• It provides a safe environment for people to share their feelings

• Distressed team members can be identified and given immediate support and options for follow up support

• The need for specific areas of follow-up can be recognised (eg) psychological support, educational sessions,

 

 

What are some tips for leading a Post Event Huddle?

DO:

• Start by thanking the team for their contribution to the event and for attending the Huddle

• Preview the aims of the huddle

• Remember “less is more”

• Ask open questions

DON’T:

• Allow the PEH to develop into a psychological debrief, quality assurance exercise or educational tutorial

• Trivialise feelings in an attempt to be helpful

• Use judgemental language

• Ask for elaborate details as this may cause additional distress

 

What should I do if I identify people in the who are distressed from the event?

Asking a few open questions may help in identifying their immediate needs (eg) the need to rest, a refreshment, support from a peer. They may require additional follow up after the PEH from their supervisor or manager (this is often the first point of contact), a trained professional or psychologist, or the Employee Assistance Program.

 

What should I do if there are issues identified in the Post Event Huddle (eg) knowledge or skills gaps, system issues?

These are beyond the scope of the PEH and noted as areas for which appropriate follow-up can organised.

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