Involvement of healthcare professionals in an adverse event: the role of management in supporting their work force.

INTRODUCTION After an adverse event, not only do patients and family members become victims, but healthcare professionals involved in the event also suffer. More than 50% of all healthcare 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 To evaluate the prevalence and content of organizational-level support systems for healthcare professionals involved in an adverse event. METHODS A survey was sent to 109 Belgian hospitals regarding two 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. Fifty-nine (59) hospitals participated in the study. Based on these results, 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 (30) organizations have a systematic plan to support second victims. Twelve percent (12%) cannot identify a contact person. The chief nursing officer is seen as one of the main contact people when something goes wrong. In terms of the quality of the protocols, only a minority follow part of the international resources. CONCLUSIONS A minority of hospitals are somewhat prepared to provide support for healthcare professionals. Management should take a leadership role in establishing support protocols for their healthcare professionals in the aftermath of an adverse event.