Care for the Caregiver – Bellin Health’s Peer Support Initiative
Every day, health care professionals face the risk of traumatic events—such as an unexpected death, a medical error or an unplanned transfer to the ICU. Estimates indicate that approximately 50% of clinicians are involved in an adverse event each year, and too often, these employees experience self-doubt, burnout and other problems that cause personal anguish and hinder their ability to deliver safe, compassionate care.
In response to this data, Bellin Health created and implemented a peer support group, Care for the Caregiver, made up of passionate, dedicated volunteers. This important task was headed up by Bellin’s Quality and Patient Safety department and officially launched at the beginning of 2023.
In order to build awareness and recruit staff and providers to be part of the Care for the Caregiver program, a comprehensive communication plan was rolled out including branding of the program, updates at monthly leadership meetings, articles on Bellin’s intranet site, flyers and announcements at department huddles and branded jackets featuring the Care for the Caregiver logo for all peer supporters. No peer support program can be a success without the commitment of staff and providers, making it all the more critical to spread the word surrounding the importance of this program and how to get involved. To date, Bellin has had over 90 colleagues in various roles from across Bellin Health step up to be peer supporters.
These volunteer-trained care team members are available to lend a friendly ear and provide support during difficult times. The goal of these connections is for Bellin’s peer supporters to provide quick support and guidance to impacted individuals, address their concerns or worries, and help them cope with any physical and emotional symptoms. This is accomplished by listening, emphasizing self-care and providing resources and referrals to other support organizations within Bellin. All these conversations are completely confidential and legally protected unless there is an issue of personal safety.
Although the Care for the Caregiver program at Bellin is in its infancy, it is a mechanism being embraced and utilized throughout the health system. As the program continues to grow and expand, Bellin’s Quality and Patient Safety Department aims to have a representative from each department serving as a peer supporter for the program.
In response to this data, Bellin Health created and implemented a peer support group, Care for the Caregiver, made up of passionate, dedicated volunteers. This important task was headed up by Bellin’s Quality and Patient Safety department and officially launched at the beginning of 2023.
In order to build awareness and recruit staff and providers to be part of the Care for the Caregiver program, a comprehensive communication plan was rolled out including branding of the program, updates at monthly leadership meetings, articles on Bellin’s intranet site, flyers and announcements at department huddles and branded jackets featuring the Care for the Caregiver logo for all peer supporters. No peer support program can be a success without the commitment of staff and providers, making it all the more critical to spread the word surrounding the importance of this program and how to get involved. To date, Bellin has had over 90 colleagues in various roles from across Bellin Health step up to be peer supporters.
These volunteer-trained care team members are available to lend a friendly ear and provide support during difficult times. The goal of these connections is for Bellin’s peer supporters to provide quick support and guidance to impacted individuals, address their concerns or worries, and help them cope with any physical and emotional symptoms. This is accomplished by listening, emphasizing self-care and providing resources and referrals to other support organizations within Bellin. All these conversations are completely confidential and legally protected unless there is an issue of personal safety.
Although the Care for the Caregiver program at Bellin is in its infancy, it is a mechanism being embraced and utilized throughout the health system. As the program continues to grow and expand, Bellin’s Quality and Patient Safety Department aims to have a representative from each department serving as a peer supporter for the program.
