Second Victims among Austrian Pediatricians (SeViD-A1 Study)

Abstract

(1) Background: The second victim phenomenon (SVP) plays a critical role in workplace and patient safety. So far, there are limited epidemiological data on the SVP in German-speaking countries. Some studies have been carried out in Germany, but so far, no quantitative studies have been carried out in Austria examining the prevalence, symptom load and preferred support measures for second victims (SVs). This study therefore examines the SVP among Austrian pediatricians. (2) Methods: A nationwide, cross-sectional and anonymous online study was conducted using the SeViD questionnaire (Second Victims in Deutschland) including the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10). Statistical analysis included binary-logistic and multiple linear regression with the bootstrapping, bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) method based on 1000 bootstrap samples. (3) Results: Of 414 Austrian pediatricians, 89% self-identified as SVs. The main cause of becoming an SV was the unexpected death or suicide of a patient. High neuroticism and extraversion values as well as working in outpatient care positively correlated with having experienced the SVP. A preferred support strategy was access to legal counseling. (4) Conclusions: Austrian pediatricians have the highest SVP prevalence measured with the SeViD questionnaire. Further research should focus on prevention strategies and intervention programs.

Applicability and Validity of Second Victim Assessment Instruments among General Practitioners and Healthcare Assistants (SEVID-IX Study)

“…In addition, previous SeViD studies have focused on identifying antecedents of symptoms that may occur as distinct consequences following an SV experience. Factors such as age, length of professional experience [15,16], personality traits (especially neuroticism, as previously noted) [14][15][16], and certain work-related characteristics, such as outpatientsector involvement in Austrian pediatricians [16], have shown significance in these studies. However, until now, no one has explored the impact of MI on symptom count.…”

“…Notably, we did not directly inquire whether respondents identified themselves as an SV. Interestingly, most participants reported experiencing SV symptoms after an event, in contrast to other SeViD surveys [13][14][15][16], where symptom-related items were only accessible if participants identified themselves as SVs. Our findings of a high symptom count may be valid and comparable to that of Austrian pediatricians [16].…”

“…Recent work on SVP in Germany and Austria revealed high prevalences for the reported lifetime occurrence, affecting 59 percent of German physicians [13], 60 percent of German nurses [14], 53 percent of German emergency physicians [15], 89 percent of Austrian pediatricians [16], and 43 percent of HCPs in an Austrian hospital [17].…”

“…Neuroticism was identified as a risk factor for developing SVP by the Second Victims in Deutschland (SeViD) studies [14][15][16]. These studies are primarily focused on the inpatient setting or emergency medicine.…”

Unveiling the hidden struggle of healthcare students as second victims through a systematic review

“…Consistent with what we know about the second victim experience [ 9 – 11 ], it is common for students in these cases to experience hypervigilance, acute stress, and doubts about their own ability for this work [ 12 , 13 ]. These emotional disturbances are usually more intense among females than males [ 14 ] and people with high values in the personality trait of neuroticism [ 15 , 16 ].…”