Abstract: In this paper, we reviewed the current literature of the second victim at home and abroad, including the related definition of patient safety incident, the status of second victim research, the impact of patient safety incident on the second victim and the status of second victim support, etc. We hope it could arouse the attention on the second victim in medical institutions, and increase the support level for the second victim, and provide references for researches it this field.

Key words: patient safety; patient safety incident; second victim; review