The Second Victim Phenomenon: Perspective of Canadian Radiation Therapists

Abstract

Introduction: Clinical incidents are an unfortunate reality in the health care system. Patients and their families are the first victims of these incidents. The health care providers involved in the error are considered the second victims. This research aimed to evaluate the level of awareness of the second victim phenomenon (SVP) in Canadian radiation therapists, determine the post-incident emotional and physical reactions experienced, and determine the existing and/ or recommended systems for support. Methods: Mixed method design comprised two phases. In phase I, Canadian radiation therapists were invited to view an informational presentation about the SVP and complete an online survey. In phase II, participants partook in an online discussion forum. Results: Survey results indicate that 31% of respondents were previously aware of the SVP and 86% of respondents report having been involved in a clinical incident. In addition, the results confirm that Canadian radiation therapists who have been involved in health care-related incidents do experience emotional and physical reactions. Most respondents indicated they lacked appropriate organizational support to help them recover from the clinical incident. Support from a colleague is the preferred method of support immediately after the incident. Finally, survey respondents indicated a clear desire for implementation of defined processes for postclinical incident supports.

Experiences and responses of nursing students as second victims of patient safety incidents in a clinical setting: A mixed‐methods study

“…On the one hand, nursing students confirmed a negative impact of PSIs on professional self‐efficacy, which had a high score of 3.10 ± 0.97, involving professional role questioning, ability questioning and fear of reoccurrence of mistakes, similar to the findings of other studies (Bohnen et al, 2019; Coughlan et al, 2017; Kobe et al, 2019). For those who had just entered the clinical environment, the shift from theoretical knowledge to skill learning and comprehensive ability training is challenging.…”

Strategies to develop student support mechanisms in medical radiation sciences clinical education

“…Other sources of stress and anxiety include encountering palliative patients 24 Though less common in MRS students, radiography students may encounter the death of a patient particular in the larger accident and emergency department. In a research article, Kobe et al, 32 discuss the second victim phenomenon in which a practitioner can experience emotional experiences after the occurrence of an incident. In MRS students, an example could be accidental exposure to radiation.…”

"Just Culture" From the Perspective of Nursing Personnel

“…The number of articles on this topic is growing year by year. Already at the beginning of 2019 (as of March 2019) in the same database, four articles have already been published regarding this issue (Nussenbaum and Chole, 2019;David, 2019;Kobe et al, 2019;Burns et al, 2019). Importantly, according to the research results, institutions with patient safety culture potentially provide safe care of better quality to their patients.…”