Citation

Schrøder K, Lamont RF, Jørgensen JS, Hvidt NC. BJOG 2019; 126(4): 440-442.

Affiliation

Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research, Odense University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1471-0528.15529

PMID

30461152

Abstract

Second victims are healthcare professionals (HCPs) who are involved in an unexpected adverse event, in a medical error or a patient related injury, and become victimised and traumatised by the event. Second victims may experience psychological distress, fear, loss of self-esteem, feelings of guilt, anger, frustration, and fear of continued practice¹. Since a just safety culture should provide a supportive working environment where mistakes can be discussed openly without criticism and punishment² , second victims should suffer less distress. Our argument is that although an open, system-based approach is preferable to finger-pointing and blame, a just safety culture per se, cannot alleviate the emotional impact on the second victim. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Adverse events; Just safety culture; Obstetrics; Second victim