Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
The Symptoms and Impacts Experienced by Healthcare Professionals as Second Victims After a Safety Incident: A Scoping
Laura Jukarainen1, Sanu Mahat1, Saija Koskiniemi1,2
1Department of Nursing Science, University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Kuopio, Finland.
Aim:
This study aimed to describe the types of psychological and physical symptoms experienced by healthcare professionals who became second victims after a patient safety incident and the impact of the incident on their social and professional lives.
Design:
Scoping review.
Methods:
JBI methodology for scoping reviews and PRISMA-ScR for reporting were followed.
Data Sources:
The search was conducted on June 13, 2024, using the CINAHL (EBSCO), Scopus, PubMed (Medline), Medic and PsycInfo (EBSCO) databases. A grey literature search was also conducted.
Results:
A total of 96 papers were included. Healthcare professionals experienced psychological symptoms such as anger, sadness and guilt after a safety incident. Physical symptoms were reported, including symptoms related to sleep and gastrointestinal symptoms. At the professional and social levels, the incident affected their work, relationships and well-being. Positive impacts were also noted.
Conclusions:
This study provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare professionals' experiences after safety incidents. In addition, this study also captured the positive impacts of safety incidents, such as learning from mistakes.
Implications For The Profession And/Or Patient Care:
By recognising the symptoms and impacts associated with the second victim syndrome, appropriate support can be provided for healthcare professionals.
Impact:
The findings of this study can be used to identify the relevant harm to professionals after a safety incident, which could help to improve the well-being of these workers.
Patient Or Public Contribution:
No patient or public contribution.
Protocol Registration:
Open Science Framework, https://archive.org/details/osf-registrations-5cdmu-v1.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Types of Reports II: Incident or Occurrence Report
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...
01:11Secondary Healthcare System
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:30Ethical Dilemmas II
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...