Lessons learned and tools

• The second victim phenomenon has profound consequences to the healthcare workers wealth and well-being.
• The second victim phenomenon is a matter of quality of care and a wide approach is crucial to tackle this problem.

To break the vicious cycle created by the occurrence of adverse events that undermines Patient Safety please consult the Recommendations for providing an appropriate response when patients experience an adverse event with support for healthcare’s second and third victims. (attachment)

This resource provides a comprehensive approach, with checklists for actions regarding patient safety, and the care and protection of all the victims involved, including of course, the second victims.

• The second victims need help, not punishment.

Peer-support programs seem to be the preferred way to support the second victims. We invite you to download the Peer Support Program Implementation Guide, a tool prepared to support your institution to deploy a peer-support program. (attachment)