The Second Victim Phenomenon Experience of the Anesthesia Team: A Focus Group Study

Abstract

Objective: As a result of the negative events experienced, the patient becomes the first victim, while the healthcare provider becomes the second victim. This situation is frequently experienced in the operating room (OR) and intensive care unit (ICU). Our aim is to reveal the problems and experiences of the anesthesia personnel working in OR / ICU regarding the second victim phenomenon (SVP) and to propose solutions. Methods: The research was conducted with the qualitative research method. Focus group interviews were conducted with six volunteer healthcare personnel working in OR / ICU. The data was written down and thematic content analysis was done through MAXQDA 22. Results: 5 main themes and 21 subthemes were reached. These main themes can be counted as the frequency of experiencing SVP, the main problems, emotions/feelings, coping methods, and suggestions/requests. The anesthesia team encountered the SVP frequently and this could be due to medical, violent, or technical reasons. In this situation, they felt worthlessness, helplessness, injustice, anger, and aggression. In order to cope with the SVP, they use methods such as self-suggestion, taking a break, calming down, and sharing with colleagues. As suggestions, they demanded psychological, legal, technical, managerial, physiotherapy, peer, and academic support as well as free time, elimination of patient complaints, and increased hospital security. Conclusion: The operating room and intensive care units are the busiest departments, and the frequency of adverse events is very high. Some of the situations that cause to feel SVP are preventable problems. Being aware of what you feel and how to overcome it will increase the quality of health service delivery and reduce the burnout status of health workers. Keywords: Patient safety, anesthesia, critical care