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Optimizing Anesthesia Peer Support & Mitigating Second Victim Syndrome
Dissertation

Optimizing Anesthesia Peer Support & Mitigating Second Victim Syndrome

Mackenzie Deobald
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2026
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Abstract

Nationally, 400,000 patient deaths occur yearly due to preventable adverse events. Second victim syndrome describes psychological symptoms that providers experience after an adverse event, which can affect patient safety, quality of care, and provider turnover rates. Peer support is the preferred treatment for second victim syndrome. The purpose of this project was to improve symptoms in anesthesia providers experiencing second victim syndrome. The Six Sigma DMAIC Framework was utilized for this Quality Improvement project. Education and peer support trainings were offered to a 275-person anesthesia department. Survey data was collected and analyzed. The Affected Provider Policy and Process Map were updated, improving the support system for anesthesia providers who experience an adverse event. Results revealed that peer support improves second victim symptoms in anesthesia providers. Access to peer support services improved through the training of 37 anesthesia peer supporters. While peer support utilization did not increase, awareness and value of the peer support system did increase. The discussion suggests that access, value, and awareness of peer support services were improved by this project. The findings highlight the importance of peer support services at mitigating second victim symptoms in anesthesia providers.
 Anesthesia department hospital Patient safety Quality improvement Peer support Second victim syndrome

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