I. Peer Supporter Quick Guide
Below is a resource for Peer Supporters to quickly review the main elements of a Peer Support Discussion. This resource includes example phrases to use, since it can sometimes be difficult to find the right words to say.
Peer Support Quick Guide
| Peer Support intervention | Concept | Example phrases |
| Introduction | ● Disclaimer script | ● “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. Please know that I am a trained volunteer and here to listen. The information you provide me I will keep in confidence and will not be shared without your knowledge.” |
| Active Listening | ● Establish a trusting relashionship ● Use encouragers ● Reinforce listening ● Give cautious invitation to reflect on emotion ● Normalise and summarize the core concerns or themes raised | ● “I am thankful for your willingness to share your story.” ● “Mhm/Aha/It’s okay/I hear what you are saying.” ● “So it sounds like…” ● “It sounds like this may have created some feelings of anxiety in you.” ● “It is not unusual to feel the way you are feeling.” ● “So it sounds like sleep has been difficult, and you are feeling anxious a lot.” |
| Education | ● Share educational tools which may empower them to feel more in control | ● “There is no ‘right’ way to grieve. Grief can occur in a wave-like pattern, with ups and downs.” ● “The Stress Continuum Model allows you to check in on yourself daily and be mindful of how you are doing.” ● “It looks like you may be experiencing one of the 6 stages clinicians commonly experience following an adverse patient event.” |
| Coping and Support Resources | ● Note some of the difficulties they have shared ● Inquire about past coping mechanisms that were successful ● Recognize some of their supports or strengths ● Share support resources that are available at your institution | ● “Here is a list of available resources and contact information for you.” ● “You mentioned you enjoy group support – have you tried the Group Resiliency Rounds?” ● “I’m hearing that you enjoy meditation. There is a great meditation app offered for free for hospital employees.” ● “In the past, when you were stressed, what have you found helped you with sleep/anxiety?” ● “It sounds like jogging helps distract you and may help with sleep.” |
| Conclusion | ● Thank them ● Ask permission to follow up ● Make a plan | ●“Thank you for sharing your story. Would it be okay if I reached out sometime soon to see how you are doing?” ● “What’s the best way to contact you?” ● “Are you going to be okay? Who will you contact if you are not?” ● “So the plan is for you to jog and meditate daily for a week, and to call your sister tomorrow.” ● Do you have any questions?” |
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