When a colleague is impacted by an unanticipated outcome or challenging case, one of the ways they can receive emotional support is through Peer Support Teams within a workgroup. The purpose of these teams is to designate trained peers to reach out proactively and touch base with a clinician after a they have dealt with a difficult clinical event. The goal is not to address the event itself but rather to focus on the well-being of the clinician and to share with them about VUMC resources that are available to help, such as Work/Life Connections-EAP.
If you are interested in joining or starting a Peer Support Team, the VWell Program, out of the Faculty and Physician Wellness Program of Work/Life Connections, partnered with current peer support champions to create a training curriculum to provide skills training for interested peer supporters. There are also on-demand training modules.
When there are situations that impact the emotional well-being of workgroups beyond Peer Support Teams, Work/Life Connections-EAP provides facilitated Critical Incident Stress Management debriefing discussions. To schedule a Critical Incident Stress Management debriefing or for more information on the support services available, reach out to Work/Life Connections-EAP at 615-936-1327.
