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

Hiranandani, Rashi; Calder‐Sprackman, Samantha

doi:10.36834/cmej.69253

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 5 publications

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“…A few reports have documented physicians or other healthcare providers using support groups to address general provider wellness [19]. One study used a peer support group format for residents based on discussions over ice cream [20]. Since the onset of the pandemic, support groups have been successful in promoting wellness for non-providers during the pandemic [21].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Emergency Department Virtual Happy Hour: A Novel Approach to Peer Group Support During a Pandemic

Kosoko¹,

Walia²,

Huebinger³

2023

Cureus

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IntroductionCommunities responded to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with mandatory socialdistancing regulations. Pandemic and disaster research shows that social isolation can often cause negative emotions and medical provider burnout. The primary objective of this study was to create and evaluate a novel wellness program, the Happy Hour Wellness Initiative (HHWI), based on peer support group concepts to foster resilience for emergency healthcare providers in response to a novel disaster. MethodsThe study was performed at a large emergency department with physicians, advanced practice providers, and staff invited to attend weekly "virtual happy hour" sessions. Participants individually opted into each of the six weekly sessions, with no obligation to attend. The program was designed based on the tenets of a peer support group and implemented by video conferencing. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and answered open-ended questions after the six-session HHWI ended. ResultsOf the 40 survey respondents, 30% reported feeling stressed and 40% felt isolated at the early declaration of the pandemic. Regarding the HHWI, 90% of participants had no expectations from the HHWI, but 90% reported that their favorite part of the initiative was the feeling of togetherness. Most participants (95%) requested a continuation of the HHWI, even if not by a video-conferencing platform, and 90% reported feeling sad after the HHWI ended. ConclusionThe emergency department HHWI was a welcome opportunity for employees to combat stress and anxiety brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing. The initiative fostered team building, comradery, group advocacy, stress relief, and cheerfulness. The initiative was so greatly welcomed as a tool for wellness that almost all participants recommended that the HHWI should be available, not just in times of hardship, but year-round. The HHWI has provided a new approach to promote wellness in emergency care providers using a peer support group.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%