Medical error and unexpected outcomes affect tens of thousands of Massachusetts patients and families each year, as well as the medical staff involved in these events. While many health care providers are working to reduce patient harm and improve the quality of care they deliver, few institutions have programs in place to support health care professionals in the aftermath of an adverse event.

Key takeaways

An adverse medical event can be a devastating experience for care providers

Clinicians and staff come to work every day to provide the best care for their patients. When things go wrong, they are not well trained to deal with the aftermath of these events and can be left feeling isolated. The fear of litigation discourages communication with patients, families, and colleagues, and the involved care providers are expected to return to their work routine care as if the incident had no emotional impact.

Peer support helps in the emotional aftermath of such events

A trained peer who has had the same experience can help validate the feelings of his or her colleague, as well serve as an ongoing “check-in” point and/or as assess the need for additional help. Support is offered, but never imposed and communications are kept confidential.

The Betsy Lehman Center is piloting a peer support program at 15 institutions across the state

The pilot program will offer:

Assistance creating a multi-disciplinary hospital team to oversee implementation
Onsite training of new peer supporters within each facility by a physician/nurse faculty member with deep expertise in peer support programming
Training and implementation support, including ongoing opportunities to consult with faculty
Staff surveys to boost hospitals' capacity to tailor and improve the program
A learning community to share accomplishments and strategies for overcoming barriers

Health Care Organizations Join Peer Support Program Pilot

The Betsy Lehman Center is working with 15 hospitals and health systems to establish peer support networks tailored to their unique needs.

Interview with Linda Kenney

Linda Kenney, Director of Peer Support Programs at the Betsy Lehman Center, became a leader in the field after experiencing an adverse medical event in 1999.

hear her story

Patient and Family Peer Support Network

The Betsy Lehman Center is also creating a network of support groups for patients and families in Massachusetts who have experienced an adverse event.