Medical Errors and the “Second Victim” Phenomenon in the Healthcare System: Implications for Patient Safety and Health Policy

Anna Gawrońska

doi:10.21697/ejhp.0112.04

Opublikowane: 2026-06-30

Tom 6 Nr 1 (2026)

Błędy medyczne i zjawisko „drugiej ofiary” w systemie opieki zdrowotnej: konsekwencje dla bezpieczeństwa pacjentów i polityki zdrowotnej

Anna Gawrońska

European Journal of Health Policy, Humanization of Care and Medical Ethics

Dział: Articles

https://doi.org/10.21697/ejhp.0112.04

Abstrakt

The second victim phenomenon refers to the emotional, psychological, and professional consequences for healthcare personnel after being involved in an adverse event. Although this concept was described more than two decades ago, it remains one of the most underestimated areas of patient safety. This article provides an indepth narrative synthesis of research on healthcare workers’
experiences, analyzes organizational and systemic consequences, and identifies directions for health policy action. Particular emphasis is placed on organizational culture, support models, and barriers to implementation. The discussion and conclusions are combined to present the second victim phenomenon as a key indicator of the overall condition of the healthcare system.

Słowa kluczowe:

zjawisko drugiej ofiary, program wsparcia, reakcja emocjonalna, pracownik służby zdrowia, uraz moralny

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