Second Victim Syndrome Among Hispanic Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Healthcare Provider Well-being
• Medical Error Impact

Background:

• Second victim syndrome (SVS) affects healthcare providers after adverse events.
• Limited research exists on SVS in orthopaedic surgery, especially among Hispanic surgeons.
• This study addresses SVS prevalence and support needs in Hispanic orthopaedic surgeons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence of second victim syndrome (SVS) among Hispanic orthopaedic surgeons.
• To identify the extent of emotional and psychological distress experienced by these surgeons.
• To assess the adequacy of support systems and identify support disparities.

Main Methods:

• A survey utilizing the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool was distributed to 70 orthopaedic surgeons in Puerto Rico.
• Data were collected electronically between May and September 2024.
• Descriptive statistics and Likert scores were used to analyze SVS dimensions and support preferences.

Main Results:

• Moderate psychological distress was reported (mean: 3.1), with emotional distress being most prominent.
• Colleague and supervisor support were perceived as inadequate (means: 2.2 and 2.4, respectively).
• Institutional support showed moderate gaps (mean: 2.7), while non-work-related support was highly valued.
• Professional self-efficacy declined, leading to increased self-doubt.

Conclusions:

• Hispanic orthopaedic surgeons experience significant distress and inadequate institutional support post-adverse events.
• Findings underscore the need for strategies to mitigate SVS impact and bolster healthcare provider resilience.
• Targeted support systems are essential for addressing the unique challenges faced by this group.