ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the experience of medical and graduate learners with second victim experience (SVE) after medical errors or adverse patient outcomes, including impact on training and identification of factors that shape their postevent recovery. Patients and Methods: The validated Second Victim Experience and Support Tool-Revised (SVEST-R), Physician Well-Being Index, and supplemental open-ended questions were administered to multidisciplinary health care learners between April 8, 2022, and May 30, 2022, across a large academic health institution. Open-ended responses were qualitatively analyzed for iterative themes related to impact of SVE on the training experience. Results: Of the 206 survey respondents, 144 answered at least 1 open-ended question, with 62.1% (n=91) reporting at least 1 SVE. Participants discussed a wide range of SVEs and indicated that their postevent response was influenced by their training environment. Lack of support from supervisors and staff exacerbated high stress situations. Some trainees felt blamed and unsupported after a traumatic experience. Others emphasized that positive training experiences and supportive supervisors helped them grow and regain confidence. Learners described postevent processing strategies helpful to their recovery. Some, however, felt disincentivized from seeking support. Conclusion: This multidisciplinary study of learners found that the training environment was influential in postevent recovery. Our findings support the need for the inclusion of education on SVEs and adaptive coping mechanisms as part of health care professional educational curriculums. Educators and health care staff may benefit from enhanced education on best practices to support trainees after stressful or traumatic patient events.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: In 2018, the Healing Emotional Lives of Peers (HELP) Program was implemented at Mayo Clinic Rochester to guide healthcare professionals (HCPs) after a second victim experience, such as adverse patient events or medical errors. The HELP program was expanded to all HCPs in response to the anticipated stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article aims to describe the rapid expansion of the peer support program and evaluate the effectiveness of peer support provided to affected colleagues (ACs). METHODS: Quantitative data collected from workshop evaluations, activations, and associated metrics ( TPS Self-Assessment , Encounter Form , and AC Self-Assessment ) were summarized through standard descriptive statistics using SAS version 9.4 software. Open-ended responses were qualitatively analyzed for iterative themes about the HELP program and associated workshops. RESULTS: Between April 2020 and December 2021, 22 virtual workshops to train peer supporters were conducted with 827 attendees. Of these, 464 employees completed the workshop evaluation. A total of 94.2% rated the workshop as excellent or very good. Participants perceived the workshop to be highly effective and felt more prepared to support ACs. Between May 2020 and December 2021, 247 activations were submitted through the HELP Program's intranet Web site and peer support was requested for 649 employees. Of the 268 TPS Self-Assessments , 226 (84.3%) felt that they provided helpful support to an AC. One hundred ACs evaluated support received, with 93% being "extremely" or "very satisfied." Affected colleagues appreciated having a TPS provide judgment-free support. CONCLUSIONS: The HELP Program promotes a culture of safety by helping HCPs process traumatic events. To effectively meet the needs of patients, healthcare organizations need to prioritize the well-being of their employees through interpersonal support.
