A Model for Sustaining Second Victim Peer Support Programs in Healthcare: A Delphi Study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Psychology
• Clinical Support Systems

Background:

• Healthcare organizations increasingly use peer support teams to aid staff coping with challenging clinical events.
• Sustaining these vital programs presents a significant operational challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the essential attributes for the success and long-term sustainability of healthcare's second victim peer support programs.
• To identify key organizational structures and institutional drivers that foster program viability.

Main Methods:

• The Delphi technique and purposive sampling were employed to recruit expert panellists (peer support team coordinators).
• Three rounds of Delphi surveys were conducted, involving content analysis of initial responses and Likert scale ratings for theme importance.

Main Results:

• Key attributes identified include strong executive leadership, adequate staffing with dedicated coordination, a culture of psychological safety, and competent peer supporters (empathy, communication, confidentiality).
• Challenges reported involve balancing responsibilities, maintaining peer engagement, and overcoming stigma associated with seeking help.
• These findings led to the development of the 5Cs Framework to guide program sustainability.

Conclusions:

• Experienced coordinators identified critical organizational and institutional factors for sustaining peer support programs.
• The 5Cs Model offers a practical framework for enhancing program sustainability and supporting workforce well-being.
• Findings can inform strategies to strengthen program operations and clinician support.