How to apply

RESCUE Certification Standards for Second Victims Support includes two complementary certification systems. On the one hand, the certification system for second victim support programs (RESCUE-Intervention). On the other hand, the certification system for the training and competency acquisition of peer supporters (RESCUE-Training) who carry out their roles within these support programs. Additionally, RESCUE-Supporters' Competences has been designed to certify the competencies of peer supporters who perform their role in an institution different from the one where they received their training (e.g., through institutional agreements or by contracting their services to third parties).

RESCUE is the outcome of the work conducted by the European Research Network on Second Victims (ERNST) with funding from the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST), validated in practice through the Innovative Grant IG19113, also funded by COST. As a general rule, the audit covers actions designed or implemented over the past three years. The certification is valid for a period of five years, after which institutions wishing to maintain their certification must apply for renewal.

The figure 1 illustrates the RESCUE Certification Standards for Second Victims Support, structured into the three main components: RESCUE-Intervention, RESCUE-Training, and RESCUE-Supporters' Competences. These components represent a comprehensive framework to standardize second victim support across healthcare settings, such as hospitals, primary care facilities, and nursing homes. They incorporate Elementary and Advanced standards to guide initial development.

This is a description summary of RESCUE system.

1. RESCUE-Intervention: This component is divided into three levels of implementation:
   • Design Level: Focuses on the planning phase of the support program.
   • Execution Level: Details the program's implementation with at least one year of experience.
   • Comprehensive Level: Highlights the continuous improvement cycle, monitoring adequacy, effectiveness, and acceptability. It requires a previous Execution level certification. 
2. RESCUE-Training: Addresses the preparation and development of peer supporters through:
   • Training Standards: Establishes the foundational and advanced requirements for training programs.
   • Competencies Standards: Defines the expected skills and knowledge for peer supporters.
3. RESCUE-Supporters' Competences: Outlines the core competencies required of peer supporters, including:
   • Communication and interpersonal competences.
   • Emotional support and intervention skills.
   • Knowledge and skills for supporting second victims.  
   • Ethical standards and legal support.

Institutions that achieve accreditation for their peer supporters training program and also meet the Comprehensive level requirements in the RESCUE-Intervention certification, qualify for the RESCUE Mastery Certification. This recognizes their advanced approach, leadership, and comprehensive support for second victims, aligning with their broader patient safety strategy.

Certification is granted if all CORE standards are met, at least 60% of the standards are fulfilled. Partial compliance refers to cases where the unmet or incomplete elements are minor and do not compromise the overall purpose or objectives of the standard. Partial compliance is achieved for 40% of the remaining standards. The support application's algorithm on the RESCUE platform facilitates the correct implementation of this instruction.

 

Procedure for Applying for RESCUE Certification

How and When to Apply for Certification

Institutions (or, where applicable, peer supporters) wishing to obtain RESCUE certification may submit their application at any time through the this platform.

To initiate the process, the institution must designate a local certification coordinator or promoter who will act as the primary point of contact with the ERNST Consortium and the assigned auditors. The application must include the results of the self-assessment (see access to the self-assessment tool on the RESCUE website).

By submitting the application, the institution agrees to the terms of the certification procedure. The decision issued by the RESCUE Core Group will be final and non-appealable.

Within 20 days of submitting the application, the promoter will be informed whether the initial requirements for certification are met and will receive a proposed list of auditors. The promoter will have 10 days to challenge the proposed auditors in case of incompatibility. Once the audit team is confirmed, the date of the evaluation will be set, which will include an on-site visit to the institution in all cases, except for the certification of peer supporters' competencies.

At least 7 days in advance, the audit team will communicate the agenda for the visit and detail any additional documentation required. For the certification of competencies, a Zoom interview with the candidate may be required, at the discretion of the audit team.

Only certified institutions will be listed on the RESCUE website. Applications will not be made public or recorded on open platforms.

Audit Panel

RESCUE maintains a panel of auditors who have completed specific training as RESCUE auditors. The CVs of the auditors are available at this platform.

Auditors operate with full independence and under strict confidentiality in accordance with the RESCUE code of ethical conduct (available at this website).

Audit Process

The audit typically requires a maximum of one and a half days. The agenda includes:

• Review of work schedules.
• Examination of the required documentation.
• Scheduled interviews with the promoter, the support team, managers, middle management, patient safety officers, peer supporters, or other relevant groups.

Under no circumstances will interviews be conducted with second victims.

Within 20 days of the audit, the audit team will deliver a provisional report of the audit results to the promoter and the RESCUE Core Group. The promoter will have 10 days to submit any objections. Subsequently, the audit team will have 20 days to submit its final report to the Core Group, which will issue a final and non-appealable decision.

If the decision is for partial certification, the promoter will have up to 6 months to implement improvements and reapply for the process. If certification is denied, the institution may not reapply until:

• 1 year has passed for the certification of intervention design and peer supporters' competencies.
• 2 years have passed for other certifications.

Procedure Costs

Until October 31, 2025, all costs associated with the audits will be covered by the Innovative Grant 19113, funded by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).