The second victim phenomenon's impact in male and female healthcare workers: a scoping review

Background: The second-victim phenomenon occurs when a healthcare provider experiences trauma after being profoundly affected by a negative medical event. As a work-related phenomenon, it may be influenced by sex and gender-related factors, particularly since women constitute 70% of the health and social sector workforce. This study aims to describe the impact of the second-victim phenomenon on male and female healthcare professionals, identifying differences in their experiences. It also identifies differences in the reactions and behavior of supervisors, colleagues, patients, and their relatives to errors made by male and female healthcare workers. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed in the electronic databases BDENF, ProQuest, PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, without filters or time limits. Original articles in Portuguese, English, Spanish, or German that mentioned any aspects concerning differences between male and female healthcare workers in relation to the second-victim phenomenon were selected. Results: Twenty-seven articles were included, most of which were cross-sectional studies from the USA, China, Germany, and Spain, conducted among physicians and nurses. The findings highlighted that women experienced more intense anxiety responses in the aftermath of severe adverse events than men. Male healthcare workers were more resistant to seeking support compared to their female counterparts. Gender-based discrimination against women was identified in both education and practice, further exacerbating the second victim syndrome experienced by female healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Understanding male/female differences is essential for comprehending the second-victim phenomenon and designing effective measures to mitigate its impact. Women may be more psychologically affected by adverse events than men. They are judged more negatively than men after making an error and are more likely to seek help.