Presentation Details
| Peer Support Targeting the Second Victim Phenomenon: Implementation and Outcomes Amber High, Chelsea Casey. The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA |
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The second victim phenomenon (SVP) can profoundly affect clinicians’ well-being and compromise patient care. Despite national calls for evidence-based peer support, successful implementations remain rare. Needs assessment in a large academic anesthesiology department revealed that 20% of clinicians experienced distressing events in the past month, 88% observed affected colleagues, yet only 20% felt adequate support was available.
PURPOSE: A rapid, cost-effective peer support program was launched across five campuses, guided by Havelock’s Model of Change and Scott’s three-tiered support framework. The initiative included formal training for peer supporters, a dedicated online resource hub, and proactive outreach following adverse events. Participation, resource utilization, and perceptions of support were measured via encounter forms and pre/post-implementation surveys.
RESULTS: Over 12 weeks, trained peer supporters facilitated 33 confidential support encounters addressing adverse events and personal issues, including bullying. The online resource hub received over 100 visits. Post-implementation survey response rate was 35% (61/175), with 77% reporting timely, adequate support and SVP awareness doubling from 32% to 66%. Satisfaction ratings for peer support averaged 4.76/5. The program’s rapid rollout and visibility increased engagement, reduced stigma, and fostered a caring departmental culture.
CONCLUSIONS: A scalable, evidence-based peer support program can be efficiently implemented to address SVP, burnout, and suicide prevention in perioperative settings. This initiative improved perceptions of support, enhanced clinician well-being, and promoted a culture of psychological safety. The program’s sustainable design and departmental integration promote ongoing resilience and support, making it adaptable for other disciplines and healthcare systems.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
PURPOSE: A rapid, cost-effective peer support program was launched across five campuses, guided by Havelock’s Model of Change and Scott’s three-tiered support framework. The initiative included formal training for peer supporters, a dedicated online resource hub, and proactive outreach following adverse events. Participation, resource utilization, and perceptions of support were measured via encounter forms and pre/post-implementation surveys.
RESULTS: Over 12 weeks, trained peer supporters facilitated 33 confidential support encounters addressing adverse events and personal issues, including bullying. The online resource hub received over 100 visits. Post-implementation survey response rate was 35% (61/175), with 77% reporting timely, adequate support and SVP awareness doubling from 32% to 66%. Satisfaction ratings for peer support averaged 4.76/5. The program’s rapid rollout and visibility increased engagement, reduced stigma, and fostered a caring departmental culture.
CONCLUSIONS: A scalable, evidence-based peer support program can be efficiently implemented to address SVP, burnout, and suicide prevention in perioperative settings. This initiative improved perceptions of support, enhanced clinician well-being, and promoted a culture of psychological safety. The program’s sustainable design and departmental integration promote ongoing resilience and support, making it adaptable for other disciplines and healthcare systems.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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