Decisions and repercussions of second victim experiences for mothers in medicine (SAVE DR MoM)

Abstract

BackgroundThe second victim effect is defined as emotional distress experienced by providers involved in mistakes. This study characterises events contributing to the second victim effect among a diverse sample of physician mothers, describes the impact on both provider and patient and seeks to determine the association between experiencing a mistake and burnout.MethodsIn this mixed-methods study, an anonymous, cross-sectional survey was posted to an online network of over 65 000 physician mothers on 17 June 2016. Self-reported involvement in a mistake provided opportunity to describe the error and impact on both provider and patient. Free-text responses were qualitatively coded to identify error types. Hypothesising that making a mistake contributes to burnout, self-reported burnout was examined using a single question. We used logistic regression to estimate the association between involvement in a mistake and burnout, adjusting for practice years, setting and specialty.Results5782 members completed the survey for an estimated response rate of 16.5% based on 34956 active users during the survey period. 2859 respondents reported involvement in a mistake (49%), which was associated with higher reported burnout (p<0.0001). 56% of those reporting a mistake provided descriptions. Qualitative analysis revealed that self-reported treatment errors were more common and diagnostic errors were most often reported to result in greater patient harm. Of those involved in a mistake, 82% reported feelings of guilt; 2.2% reported reducing clinical workload, taking leave or leaving the profession.ConclusionsPhysician mothers involved in errors experience negative outcomes and may be at increased risk for burnout. Additional research should focus on strategies to mitigate burnout associated with the second victim effect, particularly among women physicians and those with family responsibilities.

Peer support programs in the fields of medicine and nursing: a systematic search and narrative review

“…4 The concept of a "second victim" is not new in medicine and has been addressed in previous studies. [26][27][28] It is defined by a situation in which a healthcare provider becomes a victim of the adverse event brought onto the patient due to medical errors, or other causes. These incidents have repercussions on the mental health of doctors and other healthcare providers.…”

“…. (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14) Good (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28) Adapted from Hoey et al 10…”

The Intersection of Work and Home Challenges Faced by Physician Mothers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

“…We selected the groups due to their large size, high level of participant engagement, group guidelines requiring all members to be both physicians and mothers (including pregnant women), and history of successful research col-laborations. 9,[16][17][18][19][20] The PMG has 73,369 physician members who self-identify as mothers, including pregnant, adoptive, or foster mothers. 21 The group is active with an average of 205 new posts, 6,400 comments, and 22,000 reactions and ''likes'' daily.…”

<p>Second victims in health care: current perspectives</p>

“…Moreover, in the era of #MeToo, physicians should confirm that the medical profession has nonimmunity to bullying, harassment, and discrimination, and act to remove these attitudes 83,86. The literature has found that women physicians may be more likely to experience negative emotional and professional outcomes related to adverse events than men and that these outcomes may be more pronounced among women with family responsibilities 87. It has been recommended that sexual harassment, mobbing and burnout awareness and training should be implemented in the medical school curriculum 83…”