The second victim experience and support tool (SVEST): Validation of an organizational resource for assessing second victim effects and the quality of support resources

Abstract

Objectives

Medical errors and unanticipated negative patient outcomes can damage the well-being of healthcare providers. These affected individuals, referred to as “second victims,” can experience various psychological and physical symptoms. Support resources provided by healthcare organizations to prevent and reduce second victim–related harm are often inadequate. In this study, we present the development and psychometric evaluation of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST), a survey instrument that can assist healthcare organizations to implement and track the performance of second victim support resources.

Methods

The SVEST (29 items representing 7 dimensions and 2 outcome variables) was completed by 303 healthcare providers involved in direct patient care. The survey collected responses on second victim–related psychological and physical symptoms and the quality of support resources. Desirability of possible support resources was also measured. The SVEST was assessed for content validity, internal consistency, and construct validity with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results

CFA results suggested good model fit for the survey. Cronbach's alpha reliability scores for the survey dimensions ranged from 0.61 to 0.89. The most desired second victim support option was “A respected peer to discuss the details of what happened.”

Conclusions

The SVEST can be used by healthcare organizations to evaluate second victim experiences of their staff as well as the quality of existing support resources. It can also provide healthcare organization leaders with information on second victim–related support resources most preferred by their staff. The SVEST can be administered before and after implementing new second victim resources to measure perceptions of effectiveness.