Scoping review of the second victim syndrome among surgeons: Understanding the impact, responses, and support systems

It is thought that 50% of healthcare providers experience Second Victim Syndrome (SVS) in the course of their practice. The manifestations of SVS varies between individuals, with potential long-lasting emotional effects that impact both the personal lives and professional clinical practice of affected persons. Although surgeons are known to face challenging and high-stress situations in their profession, which can increase their vulnerability to SVS, majority of studies and reviews have focused squarely on nonsurgical physicians.

This scoping review aimed to consolidate existing studies pertaining to a surgeon's experience with SVS, by broadly examining the prevalence and impact, identifying the types of responses, and evaluating factors that could influence these responses. The scoping review protocol was guided by the framework outlined by Arksey and O'Malley and ensuing recommendations made by Levac and colleagues. Three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library) were searched from inception till March 19, 2023.

A total of 13 articles were eligible for thematic analysis based on pre-defined inclusion criteria. Effects of SVS were categorized into Psychological, Physical and Professional impacts, of which Psychological and Professional impacts were particularly significant. Factors affecting the response were categorized into complication type, surgeon factors and support systems.

SVS adds immense psychological, emotional and physical burden to the individual surgeon. There are key personal, interpersonal and environmental factors that can mitigate or exacerbate the effects of SVS, and greater emphasis needs to be placed on improving availability and access to services to help surgeons at risk of SVS.