Caring for Each Other: An Evaluation of a Peer Support Program for Nurses and Health Care Workers.

BACKGROUND: Human errors, workplace violence, and community events can impact nurses and other health care workers' (HCW) overall well-being. Peer support programs have shown a positive impact on care teams by focusing on second victim mitigation and support. PURPOSE: To determine the type of events and resource needs for a peer support program. METHODS: This program evaluation piloted a 6-month peer support program and gathered prospective data on the volume, type, and length of debriefing events. RESULTS: During the pilot, 192 referrals were made to the peer support program. This included 102 programmatic responses. These data supported the development of a business plan for ongoing program development. CONCLUSIONS: Peer support programs play a critical role in health care organizations by helping nurses and other HCWs manage the physical and emotional aspects of the work and the environment in which care is provided.

Duke Scholars

Author Lisa Clark Pickett Trauma, Acute, and Critical Care Surgery