Ice cream rounds: The adaptation, implementation, and evaluation of a peer-support wellness rounds in an emergency medicine resident training program

Abstract

Introduction/Innovation Concept: Emergency medicine (EM) requires physicians to deal with acutely ill patients in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, which creates a barrier to debriefing after critical events. These unique challenges can negatively impact wellness. We sought to adapt and implement a peer-support wellness program called 'Ice Cream Rounds' in an EM residency setting. Methods: A needs assessment survey was conducted among EM residents at The University of Ottawa to gauge interest and obtain resident input regarding program design. The structure of the sessions was adapted from similar initiatives in Canadian Pediatric Residency programs. Curriculum, Tool or Material: Confidential peer-support sessions were created and piloted. Residents preferred peer facilitators, rather than staff, so two residents obtained training the Faculty of Medicine's Wellness Program to lead sessions. Attendance at rounds was voluntary; however, overall attendance was recorded along with feedback from pilot sessions. Discussion topics included difficult patient encounters, poor patient outcomes, challenges in residency, and ethical issues. Post implementation feedback demonstrated that Ice Cream Rounds was a helpful forum for residents to discuss important issues with colleagues. Conclusions: This is the first Canadian EM training program to adapt, implement, and evaluate peer-support wellness rounds for debriefing, and this initiative can be easily adopted by any EM training program.

Virtual Ice Cream Rounds: Addressing medical clerk wellness during COVID-19

“…Our finding that 80% of students felt a sense of collegiality and support among their peers affirms prior work suggesting that ICRs are a helpful forum for peer support, while also demonstrating the efficacy of an online format. 2 Although unexpected, we infer that the decrease in mental wellness reported by some attendees may be due to the reflective process enabling students to identify personal struggles they had previously been ignoring. 4 To better understand this finding, future ICRs should investigate the impact of group reflective practice on students' perceived wellness.…”

“…Ice Cream Rounds (ICRs)-an initiative adopted by medical programs across Canadaprovide an opportunity for trainees to discuss challenging clinical encounters, share coping strategies, and promote self-care. 2 The Niagara Regional Campus (NRC) of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine facilitates bi-monthly ICRs for medical clerks. These confidential sessions are run with student affairs support and provide a space for students to discuss challenges and successes while reconnecting with peers and enjoying ice cream.…”

Resident learning during a pandemic: Recommendations for training programs

“…20 Some options include frequent team huddles in the ED, frequent check-ins with mentors and program directors, assignment of a near-peer wellness buddy, ice-cream rounds, and virtual social events. 21 By continuing to prioritize wellness, residents can continue to thrive, despite this disruption to their medical and personal lives.…”

Ice Cream Rounds: The implementation of peer support debriefing sessions at a Canadian medical school

“…The format of the sessions was similar to those conducted for UOttawa Emergency Medicine residents 5,6 (Figure 1). Facilitators chose topics based on what students were experiencing.…”