Design and Impact of a Novel Surgery-Specific Second Victim Peer Support Program

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Safety
• Mental Health Support

Background:

• Surgeons experience significant emotional distress, including sadness, guilt, and anxiety, following major adverse events.
• These emotional responses classify surgeons as "second victims" requiring targeted support.
• Existing support systems may not adequately address the unique needs of surgeons in these situations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a specialized peer support program for surgeons and surgical trainees.
• To evaluate the program's impact and effectiveness over its first year of operation.
• To assess participant satisfaction and identify areas for program enhancement.

Main Methods:

• The program involved surgical attendings and trainees acting as peer supporters and affected peers.
• A 5-step framework guided program establishment: conceptualization, peer supporter selection and training, event identification, and intervention planning.
• Program impact was evaluated through intervention data and anonymous participant surveys (qualitative and quantitative).

Main Results:

• The program facilitated 47 interventions within the first year, with equal distribution between attendings and trainees.
• A high percentage of participants reported satisfaction with confidentiality (89%), a safe environment (73%), and timely support (83%).
• 81% believed the program positively influenced the department's safety and support culture, with most recommending it.

Conclusions:

• The successful implementation and assessment of the first US surgery-specific peer support program are reported.
• The program demonstrated high utilization and positive reception among surgical staff in its initial year.
• Key areas for improvement include enhancing event identification and increasing program awareness within the department.