Poster Presentation: Use of the Revised Second Victim Experience and Support Tool to Examine Second Victim Experiences of Respiratory Therapists-Use of the Revised Second Victim Experience and Support Tool to Examine Second Victim Experiences of Respiratory Therapists

Use of the Revised Second Victim Experience and Support Tool to Examine Second Victim Experiences of Respiratory Therapists

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A study by the Mayo Clinic explored the Second Victim Experiences (SVEs) of Respiratory Therapists (RTs) using a validated Second Victim Experience and Support Tool – Revised (SVEST-R). The study aimed to assess both positive and negative effects of SVEs, supportive resources used and desired, and the incidence of SVEs among RTs. The survey, which was voluntary and anonymous, was sent to 555 members within the Division of Respiratory Care and received a 30.8% response rate.<br /><br />Key findings indicated that 91.2% of respondents had been involved in a stressful or traumatic event, with 59% experiencing SVEs. Emotional and physiological impacts included anxiety (39.1%), reliving the event (36.5%), sleeplessness (32.1%), and guilt (28.2%). Additionally, 31.4% felt their care ability was compromised post-event, and nearly half of the respondents seriously considered leaving their jobs.<br /><br />The study highlighted the COVID-19 pandemic's role in exacerbating SVEs and identified short-staffing and violent patient encounters as significant new triggers. Despite having a second victim peer support program, less than 2% utilized it, mainly due to the stigma associated with seeking help. However, RTs expressed a strong preference for peer support post-SVE.<br /><br />The study's conclusions emphasized the importance of proactive measures to support RTs post-SVE to prevent negative impacts on work culture, staff retention, and healthcare quality. Recommendations included the provision of counseling, the establishment of support programs, and education to normalize emotions and reduce stigma.<br /><br />Future research is suggested to explore the effects of SVEs further, including variables such as years of experience and specific subsets of RTs. This study underscores the critical need for institutions to support RTs effectively, especially given the heightened pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

Second Victim Experiences

Respiratory Therapists

SVEST-R

emotional impacts

COVID-19 pandemic

peer support

staff retention

work culture

stigma

future research