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

INTRODUCTION 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 suf‑ fer 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 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 organiza‑ tion 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 profes‑ sionals. Management should take a leadership role in establishing support protocols for their health‑care professionals in the aftermath of an adverse event.