Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought considerable stress to all healthcare providers. The inpatient setting has brought unique challenges to Hospitalists. As we were all adjusting to our new reality both at work and at home, the Division of Hospital Medicine at UC San Diego Health saw the importance of listening in a time of chaos.
Purpose: With this in mind, the Peer Support Network was created with several aims: (1) to provide peer emotional support in a respectful and compassionate manner, to help relieve some of the angst during this pandemic, and to minimize feelings of isolation and (2) to cultivate a judgment-free atmosphere where colleagues can communicate their successes and challenges not only during this current pandemic, but also at any time.
Description: Eight peer support providers (PSP) were recruited by nomination and confirmed based on consent to participate. All members of our division (including physicians, advanced practice providers and administrative staff) were divided evenly and randomly into Peer Support Families (PSF). Participation within these families was voluntary and flexible, with the opportunity to opt in or opt out at any time. The PSPs were oriented to the Peer Support Network concept, then each assigned to a PSF. Each family was assigned a PSP who agreed to keep interactions with PSF members confidential, with the exception of obtaining verbal permission from an individual to disclose or if it was ascertained that a PSF member was a threat to themselves or others. Mode of communication was determined by each PSP, with options including text message and/or phone call to their respective PSF members. Often, the opening or closing comment from a Provider was one of appreciation for the work that an individual does day-to-day. If a concern was raised during this communication, the PSP would address that concern and respond back to their PSF member with an action plan. The PSP would also escalate concerns if needed to a designated individual in the Division of Hospital Medicine to address. Examples of concerns included having access to personal protective equipment, transparency in communication with the administration about salary, advice on personal care during the lockdown (ex., where to get a haircut), and where to buy certain grocery items. If an individual raised a concern that had been redirected, care was made to close the communication loop at all times. An online, confidential database, only accessible by the PSPs, was created to keep track of communication touch points. The PSPs would collectively update the Wellness Director for the division on a weekly basis regarding any issues and as a way to discuss how they were doing as Peer Support Providers themselves.
Conclusions: The Hospital Medicine Division’s Peer Support Network enhanced the camaraderie and wellness amongst colleagues within the Division of Hospital Medicine at UCSD Health and also served as a crucial touch point for communication during the isolating period of initial lockdown in San Diego, CA resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. It also served as a mechanism to voice concerns anonymously during a stressful time, allowing for leadership to address these concerns to the division as a whole. The Peer Support Network is a valuable tool for enhancing physician well-being in an era where burnout and stress levels are significantly elevated secondary to the pandemic.