Root Cause Analysis of Patient Safety Incidents in Pediatric Anesthesia and Consequences of the Second Victim Phenomenon

Objective: This study investigates the root causes of patient safety incidents (PSIs), and the ensuing second victim phenomenon (SVP) among healthcare professionals involved in pediatric anesthesia.It also aims to analyze the impact of adverse events on healthcare professionals providing pediatric anesthesia and identify underlying factors contributing to these incidents.Method: Using qualitative analysis, focus group discussions were conducted with twelve pediatric anesthesiologists.Thematic analysis was applied to the discussions using MAXQDA22 software, focusing on identifying root causes and consequences of SVP specific to pediatric anesthesia. Results:The analysis revealed six primary root causes of PSI leading to SVP in pediatric anesthesia settings: individual, systemic, medical, administrative factors, legal responsibilities, and violence.The adverse consequences of SVP for healthcare professionals included psychological distress, self-doubt, and burnout, affecting both personal well-being and national healthcare outcomes because of unnecessary treatments and tests. Conclusion:The study highlights the complex interplay of factors leading to PSI and SVP, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to address these root causes.Improving patient safety culture and supporting affected healthcare professionals are crucial for enhancing healthcare quality and safety on a global scale.