Training peer supporters

Quick reference guide TOOL

The Betsy Lehman Center created this guide with listening skills, information about common reactions to trauma, and more. Download the guide

Items to include in a peer supporter toolbox TOOL

Clear, concise peer support policy and guidelines

• forYOU Team Policy, University of Missouri Health System

• Guidelines and activation protocol, Milford Regional Medical Center

Recommended supports for referral (if necessary)

• Guide to support services, Massachusetts General Hospital

• Peer supporter resources card, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

• Referrals and other key information, South Shore Health

Active listening techniques

• Listening skills worksheet, Betsy Lehman Center

• BASER tool, Betsy Lehman Center

• Do’s and don’ts of listening, Betsy Lehman Center

Stages of response

• Second victim trajectory, University of Missouri Health System

• SAFER‑R model of crisis intervention, George S. Everly, Jr., Ph.D.

Example training workshop agendas TOOL

• Agenda for in-person training, Betsy Lehman Center

• Agenda for virtual training, Betsy Lehman Center

• Orientation agenda, University of Missouri Health System

• Training day topics, University of Missouri Health System

Sample training presentation TOOL

This presentation includes an overview of the program, data on clinician peer support, basic peer support skills, and practice scenarios. Download PowerPoint slides
 

Brief history of clinician support and ​“second victim” TOOL

Stephen D. Pratt, M.D., gives a presentation during virtual peer support training about the science and history of clinician peer support programs. Watch the video
 

In-person training seating arrangement TOOL

When possible during in-person training sessions, avoid seating supervisors at the same table as their staff. This will help encourage honest and open conversations. View example seating arrangement

Post-training survey TOOL

Create a short survey to get feedback for improvements on your training, or to test participants’ knowledge of the materials covered. Download the sample survey
 

Training videos TOOL

These videos walk you through the steps of a peer support interaction, from introducing yourself as a peer supporter to talking about the event and offering coping strategies. Watch the videos
 

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. 

• Disclosure with no support: communication after a bad outcome with no support

• Disclosure with support: a physician gets support and guidance prior to communicating with a family member following a bad outcome