title: Assessing the perceived level of institutional support for the second victim after a patient safety event.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to establish a baseline of perceived availability of institutional support services or interventions and experiences following an adverse patient safety event (PSE) in a 650-bed children and adult community teaching hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Investigators queried associates about their experiences after a PSE, what institutional support services or interventions they perceived to be available, and how helpful used services were. The investigators used an online modified version of a PSE survey developed by several health related organizations in Boston.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred twenty evaluable surveys were analyzed. Sixty-eight percent of respondents were nurses, 99% of whom were female. Only 10% to 30% of respondents reported that various support services or interventions were actively offered, and 30% to 60% indicated that they were not available. Respondents reported having experienced several distressing symptoms after a PSE, most notably, troubling memories (56%) and worry about lawsuits (37%). Less than 32% "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that they could report concerns without fear of retribution or punitive action. More respondents experienced support from clinical colleagues (64%) than from their manager or department chair (38%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results validate a need by associates for emotional support after a PSE and that associates' perception of available formal institutional support services or interventions is low.
authors: From the *Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge; and †Advocate Health Care, Downers Grove, Illinois.
authors: Leroy
authors: L
authors: Joesten
authors: Nancy
authors: N
authors: Cipparrone
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Okuno-Jones
authors: Edwin R
authors: ER
authors: DuBose
mesh_terms: D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D061214:Patient Safety / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*