Recommended actions: Reinforcing clinicians’ resilience and supporting second victims during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain capacity in the healthcare system

Abstract

The term second victim describes a person involved in patient care who, due to an extraordinary patient care situation, also becomes traumatized. This phenomenon is largely unknown to the general public, although it is widespread, and is being exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pronounced psychological strain among clinicians entails the risk of increasing pressure on the healthcare system even further. The ensuing threat to the safety of both patients and staff needs to be taken seriously. The second victim phenomenon is extensively researched and requires a two-pronged strategy. Second victims need fast, personal and confidential support within a comprehensive, easily accessible, stratified system and reinforcing clinicians’ resilience is crucial. Leadership and appropriate crisis communication can sustainably support clinicians’ resilience, and thus their ability to function effectively in the long term. Consequently, management can make both a short-term as well as a sustainable contribution to patient safety and therefore increasing the chances of survival for many patients during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.