Assessing safety culture and second victim experience following adverse events among Romanian nurses: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHealthcare adverse events (AEs) significantly impact professionals, often leading to emotional distress and lasting effects. This study investigates the impact of AEs on healthcare professionals in Romania, focusing on nurses to examine their experiences within the patient safety culture and the psychological consequences of AEs. With a limited body of research on patient safety, adverse events, and second victims (SVs) in Romania, this study addresses a crucial gap, highlighting the need for enhanced safety culture and support mechanisms for SVs.MethodsA cross-sectional study in Romania targeted healthcare professionals, focusing on nurses. Utilizing online and onsite surveys facilitated by the Order of Nurses, Midwives, and Medical Assistants in Romania, data were collected between April and June 2022, exploring AEs and related experiences. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, Student's t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and logistic regression, using SPSS version 29.0.ResultsThis study surveyed 995 nurses in Romania, primarily aged 31-50 (67.8%). Over half (57.9%) reported near-miss incidents, and 30.8% were aware of serious adverse events. Nurses over 50 scored higher on safety culture (20.98 vs. 20.45, p = .024) than younger nurses. Higher safety culture scores were associated with reduced negative emotional responses (e.g., guilt, anxiety, insomnia, tiredness) following AEs. Higher safety culture scores were associated with reduced negative emotional responses. Additionally, 88.9% of nurses showed interest in training for coping with adverse events, highlighting the need for supportive interventions in healthcare settings.DiscussionThis study underscores the significant emotional and professional impact of AEs on nurses in Romania, highlighting ongoing challenges in healthcare environments. The positive perception of safety culture among nurses suggests a basis for improvement, while training needs underscore areas for intervention. Tackling the second victim phenomenon is crucial for maintaining patient safety.