In this conversation, Dr. Albert Wu discusses with host Dr, Saba Fatima the concept of 'second victim syndrome,' which refers to the emotional distress healthcare providers experience after a patient suffers an adverse event. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting healthcare workers who face trauma, the need for effective peer support systems, and the role of apology and disclosure in patient care. Dr. Wu advocates for a cultural shift in healthcare that prioritizes the well-being of providers to improve patient safety and care outcomes.

Albert W. Wu is a practicing general internist and Fred and Juliet Soper Professor of Health Policy & Management, with Joint Appointments in Epidemiology, International Health, Medicine, Surgery, and Business at Johns Hopkins University. He is director of the Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research and PhD in Health Services Research. He has worked in patient safety since the 1988. He was Senior Adviser for Patient Safety at WHO from 2007-2009 and continues with this work. He is director of Strategic Collaborations for the Armstrong Institute, leads the online Masters of Applied Science in Patient Safety & Healthcare Quality, and is Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Patient Safety and Risk Management. He coined the term “second victim,” and is co-founder and co-director of the RISE (Resilience in Stressful Events) peer support program.

keywords
second victim syndrome, #healthcare, #medicalerrors, #peersupport, psychological first aid, #patientsafety, #healthcare providers, resilience, burnout, #apology in healthcare

takeaways
Second victim syndrome highlights the emotional toll on healthcare providers after patient harm.
Support systems are crucial for healthcare workers to cope with trauma.
Apologizing to patients can foster trust and transparency.
Peer support programs like RISE provide essential emotional aid to clinicians.
Psychological first aid is vital for healthcare workers after traumatic events.
There is a disconnect between providers and patients regarding emotional experiences.
Healthcare leaders must prioritize the well-being of their staff to improve care.
Burnout among healthcare workers is a significant issue that needs addressing.
Creating a culture of openness can help reduce shame and blame in healthcare.
The evolution of support for healthcare workers is ongoing and requires continuous effort.

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.

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