Second victims in health care: current perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Medical Safety
• Public Health
• Healthcare Systems

Background:

• Medical errors are a leading cause of death and compromise patient quality of life.
• Healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in errors experience significant personal and professional distress, termed 'second victims' (SVs).
• Medical errors create a domino effect impacting patients, families, HCPs, hospital reputation, and subsequent patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significant public health issue of medical errors.
• To define and raise awareness of the 'second victim' phenomenon among HCPs.
• To advocate for institutional support systems for both harmed patients and affected HCPs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis of medical error impact.
• Definition and exploration of the 'second victim' concept.
• Analysis of existing support programs in Western institutions.

Main Results:

• Medical errors are a critical public health problem with far-reaching consequences.
• Second victims (SVs) experience distress comparable to post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Systemic factors, including workload, contribute to errors even by competent HCPs.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need to acknowledge and address the impact of medical errors on HCPs (SVs).
• Developing robust, confidential, and non-judgmental support systems for SVs is essential.
• Public awareness and policy changes are needed to improve patient safety and support healthcare professionals.