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


OBJECTIVE
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.
Eva Van
EV
Gerven
Deborah
D
Seys
Massimiliano
M
Panella
Walter
W
Sermeus
Martin
M
Euwema
Frank
F
Federico
Linda
L
Kenney
Kris
K
Vanhaecht
D000288:Administrative Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace