Helping Each Other Through Challenges: Providing Informal Physician-to-Physician Peer Support
Original release: March 31, 2020
Updated: July 22, 2021
Content Attribution
Well Doc Alberta has reviewed, synthesized, adapted, and added to information from the following sources. Please consult these sources if you want more information.
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On physician well-being – You’ll get by with a little help from your friends
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Flemons D. Conducting supportive conversations with troubled colleagues [not available online]
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Shapiro J. Peer support fundamentals [not available online]
Bulletin development:
Jane Lemaire MD, Co-Director, Well Doc Alberta
Alicia Polachek MA, Co-Director, Well Doc Alberta
Bulletin review:
Terrie Brandon MD, Clinical and Program Director, Physician and Family Support Program
Audrey Harlow, Education Lead, Physician and Family Support Program
Is Informal Physician-to-Physician Peer Support Needed?
In short—yes! Informal peer support can be an important resource for dealing with challenging times. It helps with facing the expected stressors of life and the profession, preventing work-related syndromes such as burnout, and surviving times of crisis. Research clearly demonstrates that informal peer support can reduce feelings of isolation, improve coping, support mental and emotional wellness, and buffer the stresses of our work demands
What is Meant by Informal Peer Support?
As physicians, we often seek and receive informal support from one another. We engage in supportive, conversations, even though not formally trained to do so, because we share similar experiences and can provide support around those experiences. This is termed Informal Peer Support. It differs from formal peer support, where individuals are trained to provide support within a formal role.
How Can I Strengthen My Informal Peer Support Skills?
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Remember that your role is to provide empathetic listening. You’re there to be present and listen with empathy, because you share similar experiences. You’re not there to fix things. In fact, we can’t fix many of the challenges that physicians face, but we can provide emotional support to get through it. Empathy isn’t about problem-solving, but about “feeling WITH people.” For a quick primer, watch this 2.5 minute animated clip by Brené Brown. It’s great!
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Consider your goals. You want to facilitate a safe, non-judgemental, resourceful conversation, focused on authentic connection that is characterized by respect and understanding. Your goal isn’t to make judgements or tell them what you think they should do. Rather, you’re there to listen, acknowledge their experience, and help them reflect on their situation so they may be in a better position to make good decisions. You’re also there to guide them to existing resources that may be helpful, as described below.
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Think about boundaries to your skills. You’re not providing support as a formal peer supporter, critical incident stress manager, social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist. If you feel there’s a need for more than a supportive conversation, encourage your colleague to access professional services, such as the Alberta Medical Association’s Physician and Family Support Program (PFSP) or others listed on the Well Doc Alberta website.
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Seek professional advice if you’re worried about your colleague’s well-being. Be alert to warning signs and troubling behaviors. If you have concerns about potential for harm to self or others, seek advice from the PFSP at 1.877.767.4637 and/or the on-call psychiatrist at your site.
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Include the following components in your conversation, as recommended by Dr. Jo Shapiro.
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Invite. Ask questions like, “How are things, are you ok?”
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Listen. It’s ok to interject with empathetic statements such as, “I’m hearing you say that you are really struggling right now.” Mostly though, you’re there to listen. Allow silence. Give people time to think, process, and speak.
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Reflect. Honor, validate, and normalize emotions, with statements such as, “It’s normal to be worried right now.”
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Probe about coping strategies and support systems. Reiterate the importance of self-care and make suggestions about basics that work, such as talking to trusted colleagues or friends, getting adequate rest, exercising, and ensuring proper nutrition.
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Close the loop on the conversation. Express gratitude that they shared their vulnerability with you, using comments such as, “I appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts with me.” Perhaps make a plan for a quick follow-up check-in, but remember boundaries.
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