An estimated 98,000 Americans die each year due to medical errors. This is an attention-grabbing statistic—from the year 2000.1 A recent study (published in 2016) reported that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, ranking just behind heart disease and cancer.2
As expected, much has been done to reduce medical errors and improve patient safety as a result of these publications. Quality, safety, and outcomes are paramount, as evidenced by the Institute of Health Care Improvement’s “triple aim”: reduce cost of care, improve quality of care, and improve patient outcomes.3
While these 3 aims are of paramount importance, this article seeks to portray the “quadruple aim,” with an additional focus on physician well-being. Patients and their families (first victims) are not the only ones affected by medical errors. Clinicians are, too, and these effects can be devastating. Here I offer concrete strategies to support providers involved in medical errors, including tips on developing a formal support program. First, however, I describe the devastating effects medical errors can have on providers and the signs of a second victim.
Related article:
Medical errors: Caring for the second victim (you)
The scope of the problem
In 2000, it was Dr. Albert Wu’s publication in The British Medical Journal titled “Medical Error: The Second Victim” (the doctor who makes mistakes needs help too), that first addressed this important topic.4 In his article he shared a case of another house officer who missed signs of a pericardial tamponade and was judged incompetent by peers due to his mistake.
As physicians, we do not intrinsically support colleagues who have experienced a medical error. We all have taken, with pride and commitment, our Hippocratic Oath of “do no harm,” yet we are often held to standards of perfection by society, peers, and, above all, ourselves. Have technologic wonders and precise laboratory tests supplanted the adage “doctors are only human”? Dr. Wu also points out in this landmark essay his observation and dismay at the lack of empathy, sympathy, and compassion shown by peers when medical errors occur. All of these elements are needed for the healing of those involved to take place. If they are not provided, dysfunctional coping mechanisms ensue.4
Incidence of medical errors
Despite the Institute of Medicine report from 20001 and the recent study from Johns Hopkins,2 determining the exact number of errors and incidents is not easy. Most data reporting is sparse. A prospective longitudinal study of perceived medical errors and resident distress estimated medical errors to be between 5% and 10% in hospitalized patients, but that it could be up to 50%.5 According to a 2005 study, approximately one-third of internal medicine residents report at least 1 major medical error during their 3 years of training, while 18% of multidisciplinary residents report an adverse event under their care in the previous week.6
Related article:
Medical errors: Meeting ethical obligations and reducing liability with proper communication
Who is at risk of becoming a second victim?
Any and all clinicians can become a second victim, and the state can be realized at varying points in the process of an experienced medical error. The circumstances of the initial error and the severity of the effect on the patient and/or the damaged physician−patient relationship can affect whether or not there is a second victim. A second victim also can emerge as a result of peers’ or colleagues’ comments and lack of empathy or support. Certainly a lawsuit can produce a second victim.7
How often do physicians become second victims?
The prevalence of second victims has a large variation in estimates. A 2006 study estimates a prevalence of 10.4%.8 In 2010, the estimate was 30%, and a prevalence of 43.3% was reported in 2000.9,10 Regarding emotional distress within a year of a major adverse event, 30% of almost 900 providers reported these feelings.11 Other studies note 50% of health care workers reported feelings consistent with those of a second victim.7