Second Victim Syndrome
At Grady Hospital, we recognize the critical importance of addressing second victim syndrome, acknowledging the profound impact that adverse patient events or medical errors can have on healthcare providers. Understanding that healthcare workers may experience emotional distress, guilt, or shame following such incidents, we prioritize fostering a culture of open communication and support. At Grady, we emphasize the well-being of our healthcare professionals by offering counseling services and promoting a non-punitive approach to learning from errors. By recognizing and addressing the emotional needs of our staff, we aim to cultivate a resilient and compassionate healthcare environment that prioritizes both patient safety and the mental health of our dedicated healthcare providers.
Second Victim Syndrome
The emotional & psychological distress experienced by healthcare providers following adverse events involving patients.
Emotional Impact
Guilt: Healthcare providers may experience intense feelings of guilt, believing they could have prevented the adverse event or provided better care.
Shame: The perception of failure or inadequacy can lead to feelings of shame, damaging self-esteem and confidence.
Anxiety: Fear of repercussions, litigation, or criticism can trigger anxiety, manifesting as constant worry or apprehension.
Psychological Impact
Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair may develop, affecting overall mood and well-being.
PTSD: Some healthcare providers may develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or hypervigilance.
Avoidance: Avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding certain patients or procedures, may arise as a coping mechanism to prevent triggering distressing memories or emotions
Professional Impact
Decreased Job Satisfaction: Second Victim Syndrome can lead to a diminished sense of satisfaction or fulfillment in one's role, impacting motivation and engagement.
Burnout: Prolonged exposure to stress and emotional strain can contribute to burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness.
Impaired Performance: Cognitive impairment, distraction, or preoccupation with the adverse event may lead to decreased concentration and performance in clinical practice
Joint Commission
Journal Articles on Second Victim Syndrome
Patient Safety Culture and the Second Victim Phenomenon: Connecting Culture to Staff Distress in Nurses by Rebecca R. Quillivan MS, Jonathan D. Burlison PhD, Emily K. Browne DNP, Susan D. Scott PhD, RN, James M. Hoffman PharmD
Caring for Our Own: Deploying a Systemwide Second Victim Rapid Response Team by Susan D. Scott R.N., M.S.N., Laura E. Hirschinger R.N., M.S.N., A.H.N.-B.C., Karen R. Cox R.N., Ph.D., Myra McCoig, Kristin Hahn-Cover M.D., Kerri M. Epperly R.N., C.C.R.N., Eileen C. Phillips R.N., Leslie W. Hall M.D.