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A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland has revealed that psychological distress is a common outcome for healthcare professionals involved in medication errors, with organizational support playing a crucial role in mitigating negative consequences such as absenteeism and turnover intentions. The study, published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, highlights the prevalence of the “second victim” phenomenon, where healthcare workers experience emotional distress after a patient safety incident.
Conducted between September 2022 and May 2023, the study surveyed 149 healthcare professionals, primarily nurses, from two Finnish university hospitals. The results showed that healthcare workers who felt they received inadequate organizational support following medication errors were more likely to consider leaving their jobs and taking time off work. More than one-third of respondents reported low levels of organizational support, underscoring the urgent need for more structured assistance systems.
The term “second victim,” coined by Dr. Albert Wu from Johns Hopkins University, refers to the emotional toll experienced by healthcare workers after being involved in or witnessing severe patient safety incidents. Over the past decade, research has increasingly focused on this phenomenon, but the new study provides crucial insight into the connection between distress, organizational support, and work-related outcomes.
According to Sanu Mahat, the study’s first author and a doctoral researcher, “It is time for healthcare organizations to recognize the significance of the second victim phenomenon and act towards establishing structured support systems for second victims.” Mahat and the study’s authors emphasize that a lack of support can lead to burnout and exacerbate the desire to leave the profession, further straining an already burdened healthcare system.
The findings also suggest that fostering a “just culture” within healthcare settings—where errors are treated as opportunities for learning rather than occasions for blame—can help improve resilience among healthcare providers. Such an approach encourages constructive responses to mistakes, which, in turn, can enhance professional competencies and strengthen overall patient safety.
The study calls for further research across different healthcare professional groups in Finland to better understand how to support those affected by medication errors and reduce the likelihood of negative outcomes.
As healthcare organizations grapple with rising demands and the mental health challenges faced by their staff, this research highlights the need to address not only patient safety but also the well-being of those on the front lines of care.
Journal reference:
Mahat, S., et al. (2024). Impact of second victim distress on healthcare professionals’ intent to leave, absenteeism and resilience: A mediation model of organizational support. Journal of Advanced Nursing. doi.org/10.1111/jan.16291.
