Nurse prescriber Mary Irving argues that practitioners would benefit from being more open about the psychological impact of causing a vascular occlusion
In the event of a vascular occlusion (VO), it is undeniable that the priority is always the patient and their safety. However, with the emphasis always being on the patient’s wellbeing, we as practitioners can tend to overlook our own feelings.
Following a recent VO in my clinic, I realised how taboo it is to discuss our emotional response to adverse events. This is despite the fact that of 370 practitioners surveyed in 2021, 28.6% reported causing at least one VO in their career.1
It is my belief that the aesthetics specialty should be more receptive to conversations around complications, as this openness can lead to improved practitioner wellbeing.
A source of dread and shame
Practitioners are taught to fear and dread potential VOs. Regardless of background, knowledge and experience, it’s our worst-case scenario during any injectable procedure as it can happen at any time and can have a…
