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Design and impact of a novel surgery-specific second victim peer support program.
El Hechi MW, Bohnen JD, Westfal M, et al. Design and Impact of a Novel Surgery-Specific Second Victim Peer Support Program. J Am Coll Surg. 2019;230(6):926-933. doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2019.10.015.
This paper describes the implementation of a "second victim" peer-support program in the surgery department at a tertiary care center. The program trained surgical attendings and trainees to provide peer-support for other surgeons involved in major adverse events. After one-year follow-up, 81% of affected surgeons elected to receive peer support. The majority (81%) felt the program had a positive impact on safety culture by providing a confidential, safe, and timely intervention for so-called "second victims". A 2011 Perspective on Safety with Dr. Albert Wu discussed ways that organizations can support "second victims."
