(A1030) Unspoken Second Victim Syndrome in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, a Systematic Review

Introduction: Medical errors and adverse events not only affect patients but also have profound psychological and emotional impacts on healthcare providers, a phenomenon known as "Second Victim Syndrome" (SVS). This article aims to explore the unique experiences of Otolaryngologists with SVS, highlighting its potential long-term consequences on surgeons, patient care, and career trajectories, while identifying areas for further research and support.

Methods: Comprehensive systematic review. To date, out of the 439 identified publications, 6 were found eligible for inclusion to assess the phenomenon of Second Victim Syndrome in the Otolaryngology community.

Results: The initial literature review yielded 423 potential studies, review articles, and abstracts for screening. A total of 85 full text studies met inclusion criteria for further review. No prior systematic review or meta-analysis regarding Second Victim Syndrome in Otolaryngologists were identified in the current literature. A total of 6 articles were included in the final systematic review of which 3 were editorials.

Conclusions: Second Victim Syndrome (SVS) is a significant yet underexplored challenge within Otolaryngology, representing emotional, psychological, and professional ramifications for surgeons following adverse events. This systematic review provides an initial overview of the experience and support systems within the specialty, suggesting that further targeted research is crucial to better understand SVS's prevalence and impact across career stages, financial implications, which could ultimately guide tailored interventions and foster a culture of resilience and support.