Yağmur Sever FİDAN, Arda KIZILSERT, Sümeyye Yasemin ÇALLI, İkbal Hümay ARMAN, Fırat FİDAN
Journal of Academic Research in Medicine - 2026;16(2):113-120
Objective: The second victim phenomenon describes the psychological and professional distress experienced by healthcare workers following adverse events or complications. Despite growing international recognition, empirical data on this phenomenon among surgical specialties remain scarce. This study examined the frequency of second victim experiences and related exposures among orthopedic and traumatology physicians in Türkiye, assessed available support systems, and explored associations with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2025 involving 121 orthopedic surgeons and residents in Türkiye. Data were collected through an online questionnaire comprising a sociodemographic form, the Turkish version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (T-SVEST), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Analyses employed non-parametric methods, including Spearman's correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with Bonferroni correction. Results: Over three-quarters of participants reported exposure to at least one adverse event that could potentially trigger second victimization, and nearly 90% had no prior awareness of the concept. Approximately one-quarter met the predefined T-SVEST threshold for psychological distress, and one-fifth met the threshold for physical distress. DASS-21 scores showed strong positive correlations with T-SVEST subscales, particularly psychological distress, physical distress, loss of professional self-efficacy, and turnover intention. Turnover intention was higher among physicians with more than 15 years of experience, whereas associate professors showed greater physical distress and higher absenteeism compared with residents. A considerable proportion of participants perceived institutional support as inadequate. Conclusion: Second victimization among orthopedic surgeons in Türkiye has multidimensional effects, encompassing psychological and physical symptoms, reduced professional self-efficacy, turnover intentions, and absenteeism. These findings highlight the insufficiency of existing support mechanisms and the urgent need for preventive, systematic institutional strategies to protect physician well-being and ensure workforce sustainability.
