Intensive Care Unit Nurses as Second Victims of Adverse Events: A Multinational Study in 4 Latin American Countries

Health care professionals, especially intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, are at high risk of experiencing the second victim phenomenon following adverse events, which can lead to significant psychological distress.

To describe the second victim phenomenon among ICU nurses in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Paraguay and to assess the support provided by their organizations.

A multicenter, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with ICU nurses from 4 Latin American countries. Data were collected electronically between January and December 2023 using the Spanish-adapted version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool.

A total of 762 ICU nurses participated. The psychological dimension was the most significantly affected (mean score on a Likert scale of 1-5, 3.7), with sadness being the most frequently reported emotion (mean score, 3.8). Longer professional experience was associated with increased professional disengagement, absenteeism, and self-doubt. Lower peer support correlated strongly with greater psychological distress and higher absenteeism and turnover intention. Chile reported the highest perception of institutional support.

The second victim phenomenon significantly affects ICU nurses in Latin America, predominantly through psychological effects. Implementing structured support programs is essential to mitigate absenteeism and turnover intention.