Rheumatologists can support creating time for self-care by normalizing peer support in their own practice settings and increasing awareness of the ubiquity of the second victim phenomenon. “Ultimately, we are stronger together, stronger for each other and stronger for our patients,” Dr. Wu says.
At his own institution, Dr. Wu hopes to continue normalizing RISE or asking for help when it’s needed. He says leaders play a critical role in this normalization by recommending peer support when they see a colleague experiencing emotional distress. Dr. Wu believes training providers on the basics of psychological first aid would also pay off for healthcare teams.
To individual rheumatologists he offers this advice: “When you experience emotional stress you feel you can’t recover from on your own, find a peer-support outlet, whether it’s a formal program or a trusted colleague to talk through your stressors so you can remain emotionally and physically healthy for your patients—and yourself.”
Carina Stanton is a freelance science journalist based in Denver.
Reference
- Wu A. Medical error: The second victim. BMJ 2000;320:726.
Additional Resources
Johns Hopkins University has more information available online if you are interested in implement peer support in your practice. Click here to learn more about the Caring for the Caregiver RISE training program.
