Just BREATHE: Second Victim Program Planning

Up to 400,000 hospitalized patients have been harmed by health care errors, resulting in the third leading cause of death in the United States. These unanticipated adverse clinical events resulted in the second victim phenomenon that accompanied traumatic effects for healthcare providers, leading to burnout and suicide. To mitigate these effects, a Second Victim peer support initiative has been proposed at Virtua. Just BREATHE is the name of this program initiative that was the result of an evidence-based practice project initiated by the Nursing Professional Practice Council.

The Joint Commission (TJC) on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations publishes yearly National Patient Safety Goals (TJC, n.d.) to focus national attention on preventable medical errors and encourage a culture of patient safety. Quality care and patient safety have been the top priority in the health care setting. A healthy work environment is promoted by understanding the second victim phenomenon and developing a peer support program to provide emotional first aid, to promote resilience in employees and a culture of safety. The purpose of this doctoral project is to develop the second victim, Just BREATHE initiative, based on evidence-based strategies aimed at creating a healthy work environment and promoting a culture of safety at Virtua. The intent of the program is to provide emotional first aid and organizational peer support for healthcare providers who experience work-related adverse events. A program plan in conjunction with evidence-based phases, components, and strategies has been developed.

The long-lasting impact of psychological distress associated with unanticipated adverse events, dilemmas, and unprofessional behaviors, motivated the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) to develop standards for establishing a healthy work environment. The importance of this environment was the link between patient safety, nurse retention, and quality care for the patient and family, and second victim (AACN, 2016). The goal is to promote a culture of safety and provide emotional first aid by developing a peer support, Just BREATHE program initiative for the health care team who have lived the second victim experience.