Afrontamiento de los errores clínicos durante la formación médica especializada: el fenómeno de la segunda víctima

Abstract

Introduction: The consequences of medical errors extend beyond the affected patient, impacting both the professionals involved and the institutions where they occur. The aim of this study was to analyze incidents related to patient safety involving medical residents, the repercussions on their health as second victims, the support received, and possible associated factors. Method: Cross-sectional study using an online survey distributed in January 2023 to all medical residents at two hospitals in Zaragoza, through their graduate medical education committees. A descriptive and inferential analysis was carried out using parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: All 43 (10.2% response rate) residents who participated had had at least one incident related to patient safety, and 9.3% reported more than one adverse event, being higher in more senior residents (p=0.01). The most frequent symptoms and manifestations as a second victim were anxiety, doubts regarding clinical decisions, hypervigilance, fatigue and guilt. The perceived probability of receiving support after a clinical error was higher in residents in medical specialties than those in surgical specialties (p=0.002), and 20.9% indicated not receiving any support following a clinical error. Conclusions: Clinical errors are a significant concern for medical trainees and require actions at multiple levels. This includes enhanced training in patient safety and error management, as well as establishing peer and specialized support plans for the professionals involved, where occupational health services should play a relevant role.

Keywords

• Patient safety, Second victim, Profesionales sanitarios, Médicos internos residentes, Hospitales