Second victim syndrome in ophthalmology: Contributory factors and insights from the first study

Abstract

• This is the first study on second victim syndrome in ophthalmology. • 94.5% of respondents experienced at least one intraoperative adverse event • Surgical complications have a significant psychological, physical, and professional impacts on ophthalmologists. • Vulnerability to second victim syndrome was highest among women, private surgeons, and early-career doctors. • Implementation of structured support is crucial to help second victims recover. Second Victim Syndrome (SVS) refers to the psychological, physical, and professional impact experienced by healthcare providers following involvement in an adverse patient event. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of SVS among Moroccan ophthalmologists and to identify the contributory factors associated with its occurrence. Cross-sectional survey A 58-item web-based questionnaire was distributed via WhatsApp and e-mail to 764 registered members of the Moroccan Society of Ophthalmology, including trainees. The questionnaire was structured into three sections: demographic and practice characteristics, personal experience of intraoperative adverse events (IAEs), and assessment with the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST). A two-step statistical analysis was performed. The first step was a descriptive analysis to calculate means and standard deviations for quantitative variables and proportions for qualitative variables. The second step was an analytical approach to compare means via ANOVA. In total, 217 complete responses were obtained, corresponding to a response rate of 28.4%. The respondents were specialists (62.2%) residents (26.3%) and professors of medicine (11.5%), and 51.6% worked independently in the private sector. At least one IAE was reported by 94.5% of the participants, 92.7% of whom felt uncomfortable with these events. The mental burden of IAEs was described as exhausting by 70.7% of respondents, and 44.9% reported doubting their own professional skills after an IAE. Colleagues were identified as the most effective source of support, with 75.1% of respondents considering peer interactions helpful. Vulnerability to second victim syndrome was highest among female practitioners ( p =0.027), private sector physicians ( p =0.005), and those with less than five years of surgical experience ( p =0.002). This study highlights a concerning prevalence of second victim syndrome among Moroccan ophthalmologists. Prioritizing the establishment of preventive programs, peer support groups, and dedicated psychological support structures is crucial to safeguard the mental well-being of ophthalmologists and, by extension, to ensure a high quality of patient care.