Measurement tools and organizational support approaches for the second victim phenomenon in healthcare professionals: a systematic review

Background: Healthcare professionals involved in adverse events may experience the Second Victim Phenomenon (SVP), leading to emotional distress, burnout, and turnover intention. Nurses are particularly vulnerable due to their close involvement in patient care. Aim: To systematically review measurement tools and organizational support approaches used to assess and address the Second Victim Phenomenon in nurses and healthcare professionals. Methodology: A PRISMA-guided systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Primary studies published in English between January 2017 and October 2025 were screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodological quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Validated measurement instruments, including the SeViD questionnaire and the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST), were identified. Organizational approaches such as peer-support and tiered intervention models (e.g., RISE, forYOU) were also described. SVP was consistently associated with psychological distress and turnover intention, while supportive organizational cultures facilitated coping. Conclusion: SVP is a common issue among nurses, and both measurement tools and organizational support approaches are important for identifying and managing its impact. However, the predominance of cross-sectional designs limits causal conclusions, highlighting the need for longitudinal and intervention-based research.