Coping trajectories of intensive care nurses as second victims: A grounded theory

A qualitative study that provides evidence of the institutional support required by intensive care unit (ICU) nurses as second victims of adverse events (AEs).

The phenomenon of second victims of AE in healthcare professionals can seriously impact professional confidence and contribute to the ongoing occurrence of AEs in hospitals.

The objective of this study was to describe the coping trajectories of second victims among nurses working in ICUs in public hospitals in Chile.

Conducting qualitative research through the grounded theory method, this study focused on high-complexity hospitals in Chile, using theoretical sampling. The participants consisted of 11 nurses working in ICUs. Techniques used included in-depth interviews conducted between March and May 2023, as well as a focus group interview. Analysis, following the grounded theory approach proposed by Strauss and Corbin, involved constant comparison of data. Open, axial, and selective coding were applied until theoretical data saturation was achieved. The study adhered to reliability and authenticity criteria, incorporating a reflexive process throughout the research. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee, and the study adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.

From the interviews, 29 codes were identified, forming six categories: perception of support when facing an AE, perception of helplessness when facing an AE, initiators of AE, responses when facing an AE, professional responsibility, and perception of AE. The perception of support when facing an AE emerged as the main category, determining whether the outcome was stagnation or overcoming of the phenomenon after the AE.

For the coping process of ICU nurses following an AE, the most crucial factor is the support from colleagues and supervisors.