Assessing the Support Needs of Second Victims in Perioperative Services
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Samantha G. Weaver (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Crystal Epstein
Abstract: Background: Efforts to improve the safety of health care for patients and clinicians are a top priority. However, despite the best efforts, human fallibility and adverse events continue to take a toll on clinicians suffering from the second victim phenomenon. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a peer support program at a rural community hospital for support of second victims. Since full implementation of this program would entail a multi-year process, this DNP project focused on the early stages of implementation. The aim of this project was to educate perioperative services staff on the second victim phenomenon and to assess their current needs for supportive resources. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional survey design was used. The second victim experience support tool (SVEST) was administered to assess second victim experiences and desired forms of support in perioperative services in a sample of physicians, advanced practice providers, registered nurses, surgical technicians, anesthesia technicians, and ancillary staff (N = 68). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Psychological distress (embarrassment, fear, misery, and remorse) and professional self-efficacy (inadequacy, fear, and question of professional ability) were experienced by >30% of respondents. Most respondents (85%) reported “A respected peer to discuss the details of what happened” as the most desired form of support. Recommendations and Conclusions: Increasing awareness of the second victim phenomenon through curriculum within clinician training may provide a starting point for seeking help. Leadership must place second victim support at the forefront of psychological improvement within their healthcare systems. The future safety of patients and clinicians is dependent upon the changes made to support second victims.
Assessing the Support Needs of Second Victims in Perioperative Services
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Created on 2/20/2023
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2023
- Keywords
- second victim, adverse events, peer support, turnover, second victim phenomenon