Cultivating Connections: An Interprofessional Peer Support Model

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Health
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Development

Background:

• Peer support models are established in behavioral health.
• Healthcare professionals face high rates of burnout and stress.
• Integrated behavioral health care models are increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the evolution of a peer support program.
• To adapt peer support for interprofessional healthcare teams.
• To provide a framework for interprofessional peer support.

Main Methods:

• Program evolution from physician-focused to interprofessional.
• Adaptation of existing peer support principles.
• Framework development based on practical experience.

Main Results:

• Successful expansion of a peer support program to include diverse health professionals.
• Demonstrated viability of interprofessional peer support.
• Established a transferable framework for program implementation.

Conclusions:

• Interprofessional peer support is a viable model for healthcare workforces.
• Peer support can effectively address burnout and stress in healthcare.
• The described framework can guide the development of similar programs.