Original Research

An evaluation of support to the second victims in Tshwane District Health Services, South Africa

Doudou K. Nzaumvila, Tombo Bongongo, Indiran Govender, Sunday O. Okeke
South African Family Practice | Vol 66, No 1 : Part 4| a5980 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v66i1.5980 | © 2024 Doudou K. Nzaumvila, Tombo Bongongo, Indiran Govender, Sunday O. Okeke | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 15 May 2024 | Published: 26 September 2024

About the author(s)

Doudou K. Nzaumvila, Department of Family Medicine & Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Tombo Bongongo, Department of Family Medicine & Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Indiran Govender, Department of Family Medicine & Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Sunday O. Okeke, Department of Family Medicine & Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Initiatives to reduce patient safety incidents (PSI) and support healthcare professionals who may experience psychological trauma as a result are becoming increasingly common. However, little is known about the quality of the support provided by Tshwane District Health Services. Therefore, it is necessary to assess their assistance for the second victims in order to evaluate their effectiveness.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 319 healthcare professionals from six primary health care institutions were invited to participate in the study. The sociodemographic information, work experience, emotional support, familiarity with the concept of the ‘second victim’ and involvement with PSIs were collected.

Results: The mean age was 39.8 years, ranging from 22 years to 66 years. The majority of participants were females (n = 249; 78.1%), nurses (n = 153; 49.2%), and those with 5–9 years of experience (n = 82; 25.8%). Most participants (n = 168; 52.7%) were aware of the possibilities of emotional support, while less than half (n = 142; 44.5%) were familiar with the term ‘second victim’. The cumulative incidence of adverse events in the institutions was 19.4%, and the majority of second victims (n = 39; 62.9%) emotionally felt the need to speak with someone about it, preferably outside of the workplace. Less than 5% of individuals received support that was initiated by existing structures at their workplace.

Conclusion: Frameworks exist to assist second victims, although they are only known to some healthcare professionals. However, their current use in Tshwane health facilities is ineffective. After experiencing PSIs, second victims often rely on psychological assistance outside of the workplace.

Contribution: Authorities need to determine the causes behind some healthcare professionals’ lack of awareness regarding the support framework for second victims, as well as their growing tendency to rely on psychologists outside of the workplace, and corrective measures should be implemented.


Keywords

patients’ safety incidents; second victims; institutional support; healthcare professionals; Tshwane District.

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Metrics

Total abstract views: 443
Total article views: 221


Crossref Citations

No related citations found.