Standardizing second victim support: development of the RESCUE certification framework for health care institutions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The implementation of structured support programs for health care workers affected as second victims remains highly variable across health care settings. Although several pioneering initiatives exist, a standardized, evidence-based certification framework to guide institutions in designing, implementing, and sustaining these interventions was lacking in Europe.

Objective

This study aimed to develop a standardized certification system for second victim support interventions and to pragmatically validate its feasibility, clarity, evidence sufficiency, and audit operability across hospitals, primary care, and long-term care settings.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted. The RESCUE certification framework was developed using a structured, multiphase proce

SUBMITTER: Mira JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12659461 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature