Curated Collection for Educators: Five Key Papers About Second Victim Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Psychology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Second victim syndrome (SVS) describes the distress healthcare workers experience following adverse patient events or near misses.
• While initially linked to medical errors, SVS can arise from various situations, including pediatric events, unexpected deaths, or familiar patients.
• Medical residents are particularly vulnerable to SVS, yet resources for their educators are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and summarize key literature on SVS relevant to medical educators guiding learners.
• To provide a foundational reading list for educators across specialties interested in supporting learners experiencing SVS.
• To offer context and commentary for medical educators utilizing the selected literature.

Main Methods:

• Literature identification through online professional communities (ALiEM Faculty Incubator) and social media (Twitter).
• A three-round modified Delphi process involving clinician educators to rank and select impactful papers.
• Summarization of the top five selected papers with a focus on relevance for junior faculty and faculty developers.

Main Results:

• A curated list of five high-impact papers on SVS for educators was identified through a rigorous consensus process.
• Each paper summary provides specific considerations for educators supporting learners affected by SVS.
• The selected papers and commentary aim to equip educators with the knowledge to address SVS in trainees.

Conclusions:

• This article presents a vital reading list to enhance educators' understanding and management of SVS in medical learners.
• By providing targeted resources, educators can better support trainees experiencing psychological distress after patient safety events.
• Addressing SVS is crucial for clinician well-being and effective medical education.