SECOND VICTIMS: THE FORGOTTEN ONES
Sánchez D, Perdomo J, Magaldi M, Gómez L, Chanzá M, Gomar C.
Department of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy. Hospital Clínic, Barcelona.

INTRODUCTION: Health professionals involved in a complication which results in an adverse patient outcome may get emotionally and professionally affected, becoming second victims. This phenomenon, although frequent (up to 72% of incidence), is barely known by health workers. Therefore, in line with the growing culture of safety and opening disclosure of adverse events, it is paramount to develop an educational plan to promote awareness on second victims. Thus, implementing a second victim culture is essential to prevent terrible consequences for both second victims and health system. This study aims to assess the awareness of this concept among anaesthesiologists from different hospitals in Spain.
MATHERIAL AND METHODS: An anonymous survey was conducted among a group of anaesthesiologists from Spain as a part of continuing education course. The survey was completed before a second victim simulation module.
RESULTS: The survey was filled by 34 anaesthesiologists (73% females/27% males). When it comes to types of hospital, most of them were working at tertiary referral hospitals (77%) and at university hospitals (88%). In terms of professional experience, 44% had 5-10 years, 32% > 10 years and 24% < 5 years.
Regarding the second victim phenomenon, the vast majority (91%) admitted had felt responsible for medical errors, with 26% of cases resulting in severe patient injuries. The most common symptoms experienced by the second victims were sense of guilt (84%), lack of self-confidence at work (42%) and anger (39%). On the other hand, irritability (13%), insomnia (13%) and easy crying (10%) were less frequent. Moreover, among second victims, 60% looked for help, mainly from other colleagues (67%). However, up to 3% of them needed professional help.
As second victim helpers, 80% of the participants had faced a second victim situation. However, only 50% claimed to have enough tools to manage them.
CONCLUSIONS:
- In our environment most of anaesthesiologists have been involved in a second victim situation, both as victims and as helpers (91%/80%).
- Only 50% of the surveyed anaesthesiologists believe they have enough tools to handle this situation by themselves. The high prevalence of the problem makes essential to train health professionals to recognise second victims, know how to approach this situation and determine when to request professional help.
- It is crucial for hospitals to have a second victim culture alongside with quality and safety programmes.

07 / Second victims: the forgotten ones