Improving surgeon wellness: The second victim syndrome and quality of care

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

12-1-2015

Journal

Seminars in Pediatric Surgery

Volume

24

Issue

6

DOI

10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2015.08.011

Keywords

Burnout; Medical error; Physician; Quality; Second victim; Surgeon

Abstract

© 2015 Elsevier Inc. Improving quality of care logically involves optimizing the duty-readiness and well-being of the healthcare provider. Medical errors and poor outcomes adversely impact the involved providers, especially surgeons, as well as the patients and their families. Unfortunately our current system does little to support these "second victims" who experience various degrees of emotional and psychological stresses including confusion, loss of confidence, and debilitating anxiety. These factors contribute to the alarmingly high rates of professional "burnout," substance abuse, and suicide of healthcare providers as well as increase the likelihood of subsequent medical errors. Mindful efforts to improve the healthcare culture and develop personal support systems can help surgeons become more resilient, provide higher quality patient care, and have longer productive professional lives. Institutional support systems are also necessary to assist "second victims" to recover from the impact of an adverse patient event.

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