Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40374217›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2025

Identifying key competencies for supporting second victims in different contexts: a scoping review.

Alicia Sánchez-García, Clara Pérez-Esteve, Andrea Conti, Eva Potura, Reinhard Strametz, Massimiliano Panella, Deborah Seys, Kris Vanhaecht, Paulo Sousa, José Joaquín Mira

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in BMJ open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Observational
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Alicia Sánchez-García *Health Psychology, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, Elche, Spain.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0001-7943-3030
Clara Pérez-Esteve *Atenea Research Group, FISABIO, Valencia, Spain clara.pereze@umh.es.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0008-8009-0507
Andrea ContiDepartment of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
Eva PoturaQuality Work and Quality Development - Austrian National Public Health Institute, Wien, Austria.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0009-1713-1510
Reinhard StrametzWiesbaden Institute for Healthcare Economics and Patient Safety, Hochschule RheinMain, Wiesbaden, Germany.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9920-8674
Massimiliano PanellaDepartment of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
Deborah SeysKU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Leuven, Belgium.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4966-3879
Kris VanhaechtKU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Leuven, Belgium.
Paulo Sousa *NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), NOVAUniversity Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9502-6075
José Joaquín Mira *Health Psychology, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, Elche, Spain.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6497-083X

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundProviding support to second victims in workplaces is crucial for maintaining high-quality performance. Peer support approach has proven to be one of the most effective and well-accepted approaches. However, the specific competencies required for peer supporters remain unclear. This review aims to address this gap by identifying and categorising these competencies.

objectiveThis scoping review examines the competencies (skills, attitudes and knowledge) needed to support workers where the pressure of their roles may lead to errors that could cause harm to others. In such situations, these individuals may experience intense feelings of responsibility, potentially impacting their ability to perform their duties. In the healthcare sector, these workers are commonly referred to as 'second victims'. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: This review includes studies that define the competencies necessary for peer supporters assisting second victims in any industry. It covers all professional roles susceptible to human errors affecting people's well-being. The focus is on peer support and psychological first aid, encompassing relevant competencies, attitudes and knowledge for addressing safety-related incidents and workplace errors. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE: The scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Studies were identified through a comprehensive search of databases, including Embase, ProQuest, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. References from eligible studies were also considered. CHARTING

methodsData were extracted and categorised into competency domains through a standardised process. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction, with discrepancies resolved by consensus.

resultsA total of 34 studies were included in the review. Across five identified domains, 91 specific and 30 general competencies were categorised. Additionally, the review identified 29 types of peer-based interventions designed to support professionals following incidents or stressful situations.

conclusionsThe findings underscore the need for well-defined competencies for peer supporters of second victims, emphasising training in communication, emotional support and role-specific knowledge. Tailoring peer support programmes to the professional context and industry-specific characteristics is essential for providing effective assistance.

Indexed as

Peer GroupProfessional CompetenceSocial SupportWorkplaceHumansBurnout, ProfessionalPeer GroupSafety

Identifiers

PMID40374217
PMCPMC12083413

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.