Development of a Facility-Level Second Victim Syndrome Peer-Mentor Program: Program Design and Future Directions.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Occupational Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Iatrogenic errors in healthcare lead to significant distress for professionals, termed second-victim syndrome (SVS).
• SVS can negatively impact mental health, leading to burnout and reduced work performance.
• Existing SVS support programs are inadequately described in literature.

Observation:

• A novel peer-mentoring program was developed, training leaders to provide emotional support to staff.
• Training involved 90-120 minute sessions, monthly meetings, and stress-relief techniques like journaling and aromatherapy.
• Thirty mentors were trained, with plans to expand to 50 by 2025 and implement at other facilities.

Findings:

• The program aims to equip mentors with skills to support colleagues experiencing SVS.
• Mentors provide psychological support, addressing the needs of healthcare professionals affected by errors.
• Expansion plans include additional metrics and evaluation of mentor and staff outcomes.

Implications:

• This initiative offers a structured approach to supporting healthcare professionals affected by SVS.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of SVS peer-mentoring programs.
• Implementing similar programs could enhance psychological well-being and resilience in healthcare settings.