Faculty-Wide Peer-Support Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Design and Preliminary Results (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Physicians experience higher rates of burnout relative to the general population. Concerns of confidentiality, stigma, and professional identifies as healthcare providers act as barriers to seeking and receiving appropriate support. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, factors that contribute to burnout and barriers to seeking support have been amplified, elevating overall risks of mental distress and burnout for physicians. OBJECTIVE The current paper describes the rapid development and implementation of a peer support program within a healthcare organization located in London, Ontario, Canada. METHODS A peer support program leveraging existing infrastructures within the healthcare organization was developed and launched in April of 2020. RESULTS Data gathered over two waves of peer leadership training and program evaluations suggest a number of topics were covered through the peer support program. Further, enrollment continues to increase in size and scope over the two waves of program deployments. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest the peer support program is acceptable to physicians and can be easily and feasibly implemented within a healthcare organization. The structured program development and implementation can be adopted by other organizations in support of emerging needs and challenges.