March 2025 Newsletter - Peer Support

Importance of Peer Support

Studies consistently show that emergency medicine physicians face the highest rates of burnout among all medical specialties (1). For those of us working in emergency departments daily, this comes as no surprise. Fortunately, recent wellness initiatives are addressing burnout and peer support is a key component.

Peer support involves structured, supportive interactions between individuals with shared experiences. It offers a safe space for clinicians to share challenges and decompress, helping to alleviate emotional exhaustion. Numerous studies have highlighted elevated rates of depression and suicide among physicians, including those in emergency medicine. According to ACEP, approximately 300 to 400 physicians die by suicide in the U.S. each year (2). By reducing isolation and fostering open dialogue, peer support mitigates these mental health risks (3).

Research also emphasizes the positive organizational outcomes of peer support. Teams that implement active peer support programs report reduced turnover rates and improved job satisfaction (4). Strong support networks enhance teamwork, morale, and staff retention, ultimately contributing to better patient care and a more sustainable healthcare environment.

Furthermore, peer support programs encourage help-seeking behavior. Individuals who engage with peer support often feel more comfortable and empowered to seek professional assistance when needed (5). By reducing the stigma around mental health issues, these programs foster a healthier workplace culture, making peer support an essential tool for addressing burnout and enhancing the well-being of emergency medicine professionals.

These findings underscore the importance of integrating peer support initiatives as a core element of healthcare organizations' wellness strategies to better support and care for their staff.

What National ACEP Has Done

ACEP has implemented several initiatives to support peer programs focused on promoting physician wellness and reducing burnout. One of their key efforts is the Peer-To-Peer Support For Emergency Physicians, a confidential platform that connects emergency physicians with trained emergency physician volunteers who understand the unique pressures of emergency medicine. This initiative provides a safe space for emergency physicians on the front lines to seek advice, share experiences, and receive emotional support from colleagues facing similar challenges.

ACEP has partnered with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to develop PeER Connect, a program that equips emergency physicians with essential peer support skills through “train the trainer” workshops led by fellow emergency physicians. These workshops provide a structured approach to peer support conversations, emphasizing active listening, reflection, emotional support, healthy coping strategies, and early recognition of mental health challenges, including PTSD. The program also incorporates the “NURSE” framework— “Name, Understand, Respect, Support, and Explore”—to enhance empathetic communication and responsiveness to concerns.

In addition to these direct support programs, ACEP has been a strong advocate for national policies aimed at improving physician mental health. The organization has worked to reduce the stigma around seeking help, enhance access to wellness resources, and fund research to deepen understanding of how peer support can alleviate burnout. For example, ACEP’s WellBeing Committee is collaborating with the Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation to change concerning language in medical credentialing to protect physicians.

These initiatives reflect ACEP’s enduring commitment to cultivating a supportive and resilient culture within emergency medicine.

Click here to learn more and register for upcoming PeER Connect sessions:

Peer Support at Northwell Health

At Northwell Health, New York State’s largest employer, the Emergency Medicine Service Line (EMSL)—which oversees 18 emergency departments—has launched a pilot Peer-to-Peer Program. This initiative pairs newly onboarded physicians and advanced care providers (ACPs) with experienced mentors based on shared clinical interests and career goals, with a focus on regional pairings to encourage in-person meetings.

The program aims to facilitate the smooth transition and integration of both full-time and part-time new hires. By providing mentorship, it supports their early career development within the EMSL and the broader Northwell Health system. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet monthly, either in person or virtually, to build strong professional relationships, offer ongoing support, and exchange knowledge and experiences.

In addition to one-on-one sessions, the program includes group social events and career development workshops to enhance engagement. The program has begun with a six-month pilot phase, during which pre- and post-surveys will collect feedback to refine and expand the initiative.

The goal is for this program to become a standard practice within the Emergency Medicine Service Line, ensuring that all newly onboarded physicians and ACPs are paired with experienced mentors across the organization.

This is how things work in my department—what about everyone else? Has anyone implemented peer support programs in their department? How do you stay connected with your colleagues?

References:

1. (2024). Physician burnout and lifestyle report 2024. Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2024-lifestyle-burnout-6016865?icd=login_success_email_match_norm
2. American College of Emergency Physicians. (n.d.). Physician suicide: A silent epidemic. Retrieved from https://www.acep.org/life-as-a-physician/wellness/wellness/wellness-week-articles/physician-suicide
3. Sunthararajah, S., Clarke, K., Razzaque, R., Chmielowska, M., Brandrett, B., & Pilling, S. (2022). Exploring patients' experience of peer-supported open dialogue and standard care following a mental health crisis: Qualitative 3-month follow-up study. BJPsych Open, 8(4), e139. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2022.542
4. (n.d.). Effective leadership and peer support in reducing healthcare worker burnout. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11639878/
5. (n.d.). Healthcare workforce challenges and burnout: The growing gap in physician well-being. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7312261/