Exploring second victim syndrome among surgeons at the University of Toronto and assessing the need for peer support

Second victim syndrome (SVS) is a term encompassing the psychological changes experienced by health care providers after an adverse event, and it is believed that nearly all surgeons experience SVS. We sought to explore SVS experiences of surgeons at our institution and assess the need for a peer support program.

We distributed a web-based questionnaire to staff surgeons at the University of Toronto, which covered demographics, the validated Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST), and interest in a peer support program. We performed quantitative assessment to determine at-risk demographics for SVS.

We surveyed 120 participants. Scores on the SVEST were highest in the psychological distress and institutional support domains. There was no difference in scores by gender. General surgeons had higher scores in the turnover intentions dimension. Mid-career surgeons had higher scores in several dimensions. More than half of participants were in favour of a peer support program.

Our results confirm that surgeons at our institution experience SVS, mainly in the form of psychological distress, and that most surgeons are interested in a peer support program. Further research to understand at-risk demographics and characterize survey nonresponders is warranted.