Abstract
Medical errors and adverse events (AEs) are an unfortunate and unavoidable reality in healthcare. Despite ones best efforts, mistakes can happen, and the consequences can be detrimental.
Three prevailing groups have been recognized as experiencing the unfavorable repercussions that go along with being involved in such events: the patient (first victim), the staff (second victims), and the organization (third victims). While much attention has been paid to the impact of adverse events on patients, their families, and the organizations, relatively little is known about the impact of these events on the healthcare providers involved. The goal of this chapter is to help mitigate the impact of adverse events on providers. By recognizing the emotional and psychological impact of adverse events on healthcare providers and providing support and resources to help them cope, we can promote healing, learning, and resilience in healthcare organizations.