Evaluation of second victim experiences and support needs among physicians and nurses

Patient safety aims to prevent medical errors and improve care quality; however, adverse events may also negatively affect the healthcare professionals involved. This phenomenon, known as second victimhood, is associated with psychological and professional consequences such as guilt, burnout, and trauma symptoms. Evidence from Türkiye remains limited. This study aimed to assess second victimhood experiences among physicians and nurses, examine associated impacts, and identify support needs.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2023 among physicians and nurses working at a tertiary university hospital in Türkiye. The entire target population was approached, and 366 participants were included. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Turkish version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (T-SVEST). Descriptive analyses, group comparisons, correlation analyses, internal consistency analyses, and multivariable binary logistic regression were performed.

Among the participants, 66.9% were female; 45.9% were nurses and 42.1% were resident physicians. Second victimhood was reported by 15.0% of participants, and 75.9% of those with valid responses reported negative consequences. In bivariate analyses, second victimhood differed according to age group, professional/occupational title, and years of employment at the current institution. In the multivariable model, age ≥ 46 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 5.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.97-14.06) and employment at the current institution for 2-5 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43-5.56) remained independently associated with second victimhood. Most participants reported high preferences for structured institutional support, including peer and managerial support, opportunities for recovery, and access to psychological counseling.

Second victimhood was reported by a notable minority of physicians and nurses. The findings suggest that patient safety approaches should also consider the psychosocial well-being of healthcare professionals. Structured, accessible, confidential, and non-punitive post-event support mechanisms may help institutions respond more effectively to second victim experiences.