A cross-sectional survey on nurses' second victim experience and quality of support resources in Singapore.

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate nurses' second victim experience and quality of support resources in Singapore. The second victim phenomenon, broadly described as the suffering of providers including nurses in the face of a clinical error, is often overlooked. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was adopted. A total of 1,163 nurses from an acute public hospital in Singapore took part in the study. The Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST) was employed to assess experience of second victims and the quality of support resources. The study results showed that nurses experienced second victim-related physical, psychological and professional distress. About 31.8% of the participants had turnover intentions, while 9.3% had absenteeism following an error. Nurses who are younger and less experienced were more likely to experience greater second victim response. Among the support options, peer support was rated as the most desirable. Nurses, being at the forefront of care delivery, are especially susceptible to being a casualty of the second victim phenomenon. Acknowledging the second victim phenomenon, together with a strong organizational support, is essential in alleviating the trauma and assisting nurses with reconciliation in the aftermath of an unanticipated error.