Effects of a Second Victim Peer Support Program in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

After a traumatic patient-related event, nurses may experience persistent physical, emotional, and psychological distress, known as second victim syndrome. Progressive nurse leaders understand the need for adequate support systems to promote resilience and mitigate the symptoms of second victim syndrome.

This quality improvement project was developed to reduce distress levels among second victims after a stressful patient-related event. The project was piloted on a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), an environment in which the risk of second victim syndrome is increased because of the vulnerable patient population the unit serves.

An academic-practice partnership between a southeastern U.S. nursing college and a freestanding children's and women's hospital identified the need for emotional support services in the PICU after a traumatic patient-related event. Following a readiness assessment, the project team implemented a structured, three-tiered comprehensive support program that included a second victim peer support team.

Project participants (N = 13) measured their distress levels on a distress scale both before and after peer support team encounters. Results indicated a statistically significant (t12 = 16.40, P < 0.001) reduction in distress levels after an encounter with a second victim peer support team member.

Nurse leaders are well-positioned to lead the development of support programs that promote resilience and the well-being of nurses and other health care professionals in mitigating the adverse effects of second victim syndrome.