Protections for your peer support program

Note: Peer support in most organizations is not protected. Check your state law and legal counsel regarding confidentiality of provider support after adverse events.


Peer support bylaws Tool

The University of Illinois has included language into their bylaws for protection. Download the bylaws


Template for board resolutions Tool

An example of a board resolution from Experix to have peer support be put under the quality improvement umbrella in an ambulatory setting. Read the resolution


Improving patient safety: The intersection of safety culture, clinician and staff support, and patient safety organizations Research Tool

This white paper discusses opportunities to implement and integrate support programs through PSO participation. Page 9 Exhibit 1 includes an example of the University of North Carolina Medical Center policy. Read the white paper


 

Connecting your support program to other initiatives


RCA2: Improving root cause analyses and actions to prevent harm Tool

The National Patient Safety Foundation encourages organizations to adopt use root cause analysis and action (RCA2) to prevent future harm. Read the report


Communication and Resolution Programs Tool

Consider connecting peer support with other programs, for example a Communication and Resolution Program (CRP).


Supporting clinicians immediately after an event Tool

These videos show the impact of support for clinicians prior to communication following an adverse event or medical error.


Patient safety professionals as the third victims of adverse events Research

This article describes potential sources of harm to patient safety professionals, including critical incident stress, emotional labor, abusive supervision, and competing loyalties/duties. Read the article


 

Tools for ambulatory settings


Supporting clinicians after adverse events: Development of a clinician peer support program Research

This article describes steps to create a peer support program focused on physicians and mid-level providers. Read the article


Basic event analysis in outpatient and ambulatory settings Tool

A checklist for office practice managers after an adverse event from Washington University School of Medicine. Download the checklist


Patient safety event briefings Tool

Event debriefing basics after a patient safety event from Washington University School of Medicine. Learn more


Guidelines for disclosure of adverse events to patients Tool

A pocket card with basic principles and guidelines from the Washington University School of Medicine. Download the pocket card


Step-by-step guide for peer supporters Tool

A pocket card with information about offering peer support and documenting interactions from Physicians Insurance. Download the pocket card