DescriptionPurpose: The landmark report, "To err is human," (Kohn, Corrigan, & Donaldson, 2000) has emerged at the forefront of patient safety and error reduction. Healthcare providers have been suffering in silence, experiencing psychological and physical distress, shame, and guilt after an unanticipated clinical event. These symptoms categorize the providers as second victims (Scott et al., 2011). Many healthcare facilities do not provide emotional support resources for clinicians. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to pilot Scott Tier 1Interventional Model at an academic medical center in New Jersey.
Methodology: Surveys were administered electronically to a purposive sample of 350 providers. The Second Victim Experience Survey Tool (SVEST) was administered pre and post-intervention to assess the staff’s perception of emotional support. Participants and supporters received one-hour in-classroom education on the second victim phenomenon, the six stages of recovery, and available resources at the site.
Results: Eighteen percent responded to the survey (n-60). Forty-five percent ICU staffs (n=158) and fifteen supporters were educated on the second victim phenomenon. Six percent (n=23) healthcare providers were referred for emotional support between November 1 and December 31, 2019. The pre and post SVEST scores were not statistically significant.
Implications for Practice: Further expansion of the program within the organization is needed. Introduction of Tiers 2 and 3 with peer supporters are predicted to be more effective strategies of emotional support.