Implementation of a "second victim" program in a pediatric hospital.

Purpose: A formal support program for pharmacy employees involved in adverse drug events, patient-related injuries, and other traumatic work experiences is described.

Summary: Healthcare workers are sometimes referred to as the "second victims" of patient care mishaps due to the anxiety, loss of confidence, and career uncertainty they may experience. After a survey indicating that about 30% of its staff had been involved in a second-victim event, the Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCH) pharmacy department implemented a peer-based support initiative (the YOU Matter program) based on an established three-tiered intervention model.