Second Victim Syndrome in Healthcare: Post Procedure Complication

Recently, a patient operated on by a junior colleague developed a serious post-procedure complication. The emotional impact on them was immediate . They felt guilt, anxiety, pressure and fear of judgment. These reactions are far more common than we admit and all healthcare professionals experience them in some shape and form in their medical career.

This emotional response has a name: Second Victim Syndrome , which is described  as the psychological effect healthcare professionals face after unexpected clinical events such as:

•⁠ ⁠Post-op complications

•⁠ ⁠Wrong prescription

•⁠ ⁠Incorrect drug administered

•⁠ ⁠A patient deteriorating despite best efforts

•⁠ ⁠Complaints or investigations

Post-operative/ Post-procedure complications are among the most painful triggers. Even when practice has been correct, the event feels deeply personal. Sleepless nights, self-doubt, shame, anxiety before the next list are real feelings, but rarely spoken about. However, complications do not define a clinician.

The Hidden Emotional Impact

This series continues, because no clinician should feel they have to carry this alone

After a complication/complaint , the hardest part is often not the clinical management ; it’s what happens after:

·      The sleepless nights.

·      Guilt

·      Replaying the event ( with thoughts of how it could  have been avoided )

·      Walking into the next clinic list, teaching session, ward round or theatre list with anxiety, under-confidence, overthinking and worry.

·      The silence from colleagues, because no one knows what to say.

These reactions are common across personnel from all forms of healthcare, dentalcare , allied health professionals. Yet they are rarely acknowledged or spoken about openly

This affects professional , personal and ( most importantly) family well-being.

Speaking about  these feelings matters. Because unaddressed emotional burden affects confidence, judgement, and wellbeing;  long after the event itself.

 We support clinicians in recognising their strengths and self-worth, especially during periods when self-doubt overshadows the journey that brought them to the stage where they are now.

No clinician should carry these experiences alone. If you would value a confidential space to reflect or speak to someone or regain clarity and confidence, you can connect with us at : www.medcoachmentor.com