Involvement of health-care professionals in an adverse event: the role of management in supporting their workforce

INTRODUCTION: After an adverse event, not only patients and family members but also health-care professionals involved in the event become victims. More than 50% of all health-care professionals suffer emotionally and professionally after being involved in an adverse event. Support is needed for these "second victims" to prevent a further negative impact on patient care. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and content of organizational‑level support systems for health-care professionals involved in an adverse event. METHODS: A survey was sent to 109 Belgian hospitals regarding 2 aspects: first, the availability of a protocol for supporting second victims; and, second, the presence of a contact person in the organization to provide support. A total of 59 hospitals participated in the study. Hospitals were asked to submit their protocols for providing support to second victims. A content analysis based on an Institute for Healthcare Improvement's white paper and the Scott Model was performed to evaluate the protocols. RESULTS: Thirty organizations had a systematic plan to support second victims. Twelve percent could not identify a contact person. The chief nursing officer was seen as one of the main contact people when something went wrong. In terms of the quality of the protocols, only a minority followed part of the international resources. CONCLUSIONS: A minority of hospitals are somewhat prepared to provide support for health-care professionals. Management should take a leadership role in establishing support protocols for their health-care professionals in the aftermath of an adverse event.