SECOND VICTIM POLICY – TRUST PROGRAM
- ICT ADMIN
- Oct 16, 2020
- 2 min read
Second Victim
“Second Victim” refers to any staff involved in an oversight of duties or unanticipated adverse patient event, medical error and/or a patient-related injury who becomes victimized in the sense that the staff is traumatized by the event. The staff emotional response, which may include remorse, activity and moral distress may have an impact on the quality and safety of patient care if health care organizations do not acknowledge and provide support for the staff.
The Second Victim Policy is a policy mandated within the Joint Commission International under the clause SQE 8.2 which states clearly of the hospital’s commitment in providing the staff a healthy and safety program that addresses staff physical and mental health and safe. The policy aims to improve on the awareness and better understanding on the concept of the second victims and to provide a safe and supportive environment for staff especially those considered to be second victim.
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Second Victim FAQ
1. What is a Second Victim Phenomenon?
“Second Victim” refers to any staff who are traumatized after being involved in an unanticipated adverse patient event.
2. Who could be classified as the victims?
Victims of the Second Victims Phenomenon could be all staff of JPMC both medical and non-medical who were involved in any adverse patient event.
3. How can staff reach out to the committees?
Staff may reach out via email at svc@jpmc.com.bn or call HR Department at ext. 8(1174) or just head over directly to HR Department
4. What are the examples of adverse and sentinel events that can be included as part of Second Victims?
Examples of events are as such but not limited to: Medication Error unwilfully committed by the staff which results to patient’s injury or harm, unexpected patient’s death, Trauma or Cardiac Arrest (“feeling down” for not being able to rescue patient’s life) and other overwhelming events involving patient and families.
5. Is there a time limit as to when staff should report on any of the events to the Second Victim Committee?
No. Staff may just reach out to the committee when they feel ready to talk and discuss on the event.
6. What can the affected staff expect from the Second Victim Policy?
JPMC shall provide the following support adapted from the Scott Three-Tiered International Model of Support:
Tier 1: First responder (i.e., Head of Department or Direct Reporting Line Supervisor)
Tier 2: The Second Victim Committee
Tier 3: Psychiatrist/Counsellor
JPMC also shall ensure that staff are protected from assault, bullying, abuses from patients and visitors through policies, security measures and the reported adverse events.
7. Will the confidentiality of the matters be kept confidential?
Yes. All matters surrounding the Second Victim Phenomenon will be kept strictly confidential.
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