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Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research

Prevalence of second victims, risk factors and support strategies among young German physicians in internal medicine (SeViD-I survey)

Authors: Reinhard Strametz, Peter Koch, Anja Vogelgesang, Amie Burbridge, Hannah Rösner, Miriam Abloescher, Wolfgang Huf, Brigitte Ettl, Matthias Raspe

Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Second victims, defined as healthcare team members being traumatised by an unanticipated clinical event or outcome, are frequent in healthcare. Evidence of this phenomenon in Germany, however, is sparse. Recently, we reported the first construction and validation of a German questionnaire. This study aimed to understand this phenomenon better in a sample of young (<= 35 years) German physicians.

Methods

The electronic questionnaire (SeViD-I survey) was administered for 6 weeks to a sample of young physicians in training for internal medicine or a subspecialty. All physicians were members of the German Society of Internal Medicine. The questionnaire had three domains - general experience, symptoms, and support strategies - comprising 46 items. Binary logistic regression models were applied to study the influence of various independent factors on the risk of becoming a second victim, the magnitude of symptoms and the time to self-perceived recovery.

Results

The response rate was 18% (555/3047). 65% of the participants were female, the mean age was 32 years. 59% experienced second victim incidents in their career so far and 35% during the past 12 months. Events with patient harm and unexpected patient deaths or suicides were the most frequent key incidents. 12% of the participants reported that their self-perceived time to full recovery was more than 1 year or have never recovered. Being female was a risk factor for being a second victim (odds ratio (OR) 2.5) and experiencing a high symptom load (OR 2). Working in acute care was promoting a shorter duration to self-perceived recovery (OR 0.5). Support measures with an exceptionally high approval among second victims were the possibility to discuss emotional and ethical issues, prompt debriefing/crisis intervention after the incident and a safe opportunity to contribute insights to prevent similar events in the future.

Conclusion

The second victim phenomenon is frequent among young German physicians in internal medicine. In general, these traumatic events have a potentially high impact on physician health and the care they deliver. A better understanding of second victim traumatisations in Germany and broad implementation of effective support programs are warranted.

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Title: Prevalence of second victims, risk factors and support strategies among young German physicians in internal medicine (SeViD-I survey)
Authors: Reinhard Strametz
Peter Koch
Anja Vogelgesang
Amie Burbridge
Hannah Rösner
Miriam Abloescher
Wolfgang Huf
Brigitte Ettl
Matthias Raspe
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6673
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-021-00300-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Prevalence of second victims, risk factors and support strategies among young German physicians in internal medicine (SeViD-I survey)

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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