Second victim syndrome

After a patient suffers a medical error or other adverse event, physician associates (PAs) and other health care providers involved in the patient's care are susceptible to experiencing their own physical and psychosocial symptoms. In this commonly occurring phenomenon, known as second victim syndrome, the health care provider becomes the second victim after the patient. This article reviews the symptoms, progression, management, and complications of second victim syndrome. Additionally, this review advocates for PA programs to integrate curricula focused on second victim experiences, equipping PA students with effective coping strategies, and for institutions to establish tiered support programs to help employees navigate the challenges of second victim experiences.