How peer review groups support learning and wellbeing in psychiatrists

Abstract

Objective To explore the self-reported value of Peer Review Groups (PRGs) by Australian psychiatrists, focussing on learning and wellbeing. Methods A cross-sectional mixed-methods online survey of psychiatrists registered with the NSW Branch Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) who had attended a PRG in the previous 12 months. Results Respondents described PRG participation as supportive to their learning and to their professional wellbeing by sharing professional experiences, emotional support for the inherent stresses of practice, the provision of a space for debriefing and the amelioration of professional isolation. Difficulties or challenges in group functioning were reported rarely and included new group member selection and limitations to individual support provided by the group. Conclusions The PRG form of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is unique, popular and highly valued by psychiatrists. In addition to supporting learning, PRGs provide a collegial space for processing of emotional aspects of practice that in turn supports wellbeing. Other healthcare professionals might benefit from similar self-directed, self-selected small group peer contact for CPD.

Practical psychiatry: On therapeutic equipoise – Principles of a balanced approach to psychiatric treatments

“… 15 (11) Psychiatrists’ therapeutic equipoise can be restored through the learning and well-being function of peer review groups. 16 Enthusiasm about a novel treatment may be balanced by careful scrutiny of the accumulated evidence-base. Positive and negative countertransference reactions may be reflected upon, and patient-focused care re-established.…”

Australia needs to implement a national health strategy for doctors

“…Another possible strategy is the use of self-directed peer review groups, which psychiatrists report as supporting learning and wellbeing by providing a collegial space for processing emotional aspects of their practice. 13 An electronic hub (eg, The Essential Network 14 ) containing health information, screening tools, evidence-based treatment guidelines, and selfadministered structured psychological treatments may address time and confidentiality barriers for doctors.…”

“…Enhancing the capacity of doctor‐peer support groups such as Hand‐n‐Hand peer support network 12 would ensure better access to regular peer support within a structure that maintains a necessarily safe space. Another possible strategy is the use of self‐directed peer review groups, which psychiatrists report as supporting learning and wellbeing by providing a collegial space for processing emotional aspects of their practice 13 …”

“…Another possible strategy is the use of self‐directed peer review groups, which psychiatrists report as supporting learning and wellbeing by providing a collegial space for processing emotional aspects of their practice. 13 …”

Doctors’ health: Is there reason to hope?

“…In doctors, it has been shown that the need for relatedness has the largest unique contribution to professional well-being, as manifested by exhaustion, satisfaction with professional life and work-related engagement. 7 Moreover, remedies such as mentoring, Peer Review 8 and Peer Support 9 groups have demonstrated benefits for supporting professional practice and countering isolation. Rather than despair, working on these wicked problems together can perhaps, lead to a sense of hope.…”