“Everybody in this room can understand”: A qualitative exploration of peer support during residency training

Abstract

Objectives Though peer support groups are often utilized during residency training, the dynamics, content, and impact of social support offered through peer support are poorly understood. We explored trainee perceptions of the benefits, drawbacks, and optimal membership and facilitation of peer support groups. Methods After engaging in a peer support program at an emergency medicine residency program, 15 residents and 4 group facilitators participated in four focus groups in 2018. Interview questions explored the dynamics of group interactions, types of support offered, and psychological impacts of participation. The authors conducted a reflexive thematic analysis of data, performing iterative coding and organization of interview transcripts. Results Discussions with experienced senior residents and alumni normalized residents’ workplace struggles and provided them with insights into the trajectory of their residency experiences. Vulnerable group dialogue was enhanced by the use of “insider” participants; however, residents acknowledged the potential contributions of mental health professionals. Though groups occasionally utilized maladaptive coping strategies and lacked actual solutions, they also enhanced residents’ sense of belonging, willingness to share personal struggles, and ability to “reset” in the clinical environment. Conclusions Participants offered insights into the benefits and drawbacks of peer support as well as optimal peer group composition and facilitation. Support groups may be more effective if they engage a complementary model of alumni and pre‐briefed psychologist facilitators, avoid fatalism, and aim to foster intimate connections among residents. These findings can inform the development of future initiatives aiming to create a safe space for trainees to discuss workplace stressors.

Virtual Open House: Incorporating Support Persons into the Residency Community

“…A qualitative study conducted at our institution suggested that an additional barrier to effective communication between residents and their support persons (SP) is dissonance between residents’ personal and professional identities. 2 Residents encounter challenges discussing workplace stressors with individuals who have minimal understanding of the clinical environment. 1 , 2 Study authors recommended that future wellness interventions attempt to reduce this dissonance by proactively providing SPs with greater insight into the residency training experience.…”

“… 2 Residents encounter challenges discussing workplace stressors with individuals who have minimal understanding of the clinical environment. 1 , 2 Study authors recommended that future wellness interventions attempt to reduce this dissonance by proactively providing SPs with greater insight into the residency training experience. 2 This recommendation is in line with existing literature highlighting the importance of social relatedness—engaging in meaningful conversation and feeling understood—in enhancing psychological well-being.…”

“… 1 , 2 Study authors recommended that future wellness interventions attempt to reduce this dissonance by proactively providing SPs with greater insight into the residency training experience. 2 This recommendation is in line with existing literature highlighting the importance of social relatedness—engaging in meaningful conversation and feeling understood—in enhancing psychological well-being. 3 , 4 In light of this, we created an innovation aimed at familiarizing residents’ SPs with the residency experience.…”

Implementation of a Near-Peer Support Program to Improve Trainee Well-Being after Patient Safety Events

“…Residents may seek support through peers or senior residents, and the peer relationship may be protective against burnout and improve recovery ( 26 , 27 ). Some institutional peer support programs provide a structure to offer residents support from other residents ( 25 ) and from recent graduates ( 24 ), describing benefits in normalizing the difficult experiences and allowing emotional and cognitive insight as they promote perceived well-being. However, residents face several barriers in becoming trained peer supporters because they may lack confidence to provide proactive intervention for their peers, and the demands of residency may limit the ability of residents to attend training or dedicate time to supporting coresidents ( 10 , 11 , 27 ).…”