Open disclosure among general practitioners as second victim of a patient safety incident: a cross-sectional study in Flanders (Belgium).

Clinicians who are involved in patient safety incidents often continue to experience psychological or emotional harm afterward. This cross-sectional study, which included 78 general practitioners in Belgium, found that 87% had been involved in a patient safety incident during their career. Over half reported being involved in an event in the prior year. Respondents reported emotional consequences (e.g., guilt, stress, shame). Only half of respondents were involved in an open discourse process after the incident, but participation in disclosure improved emotional outcomes.