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Table 6 Summary of descriptive content analysis of qualitative data

From: Evaluation of’the Buddy Study’, a peer support program for second victims in healthcare: a survey in two Danish hospital departments

 

Condensations of descriptions

Illustrative quotes

Benefits of the program

Encouragement of an open and compassionate culture

Contributes to an increased awareness about the implications of adverse events

” The seminar showed us that we should talk more about this. I think it has brought on a more open culture.”

Enforces a sense of being part of a team, combats loneliness

“I feel like I am part of a team with this system.”

Communicates openness to share difficult experiences and emotions. Legitimises feelings of vulnerability in the aftermath and encourages to reach out

“My buddy allowed me to cry and tell everything without any judgement. She cried with me.”

“Without my buddy I would never have been able to go to sleep those first couple of days.”

Attentiveness to the wellbeing of colleagues

Knowing that someone will reach out to you in case of an adverse event provides a sense of safety

“One thing is talking about it there and then. But knowing that someone reaches out to you the following days makes me feel safer.”

Establishes an awareness that it can happen to all. Greater willingness to talk about errors in general

” We pay more attention to each other now.”

Rewarding to be able to help a colleague (as a buddy). May give reason to reflect on (and heal) own previous experiences with an adverse event

“I have activated buddies for someone else. And their reactions are like “Yes! Of course!”. They really want to help and support their colleagues.”

Self-selected relationships create a safe space for sharing

It is easier to share emotional distress with someone you know and trust

“My buddy is a junior like myself and has been incredibly supportive. She can relate to my experiences.”

“Having a buddy is of great value to me.”

Evaluation of clinical decisions happens in a safe space. This facilitates learning without triggering defensive responses

“Going through the event and my clinical decisions with someone I trusted was… I learned a lot.”

Challenges or shortcomings of the program

Peer support is valuable but should not stand alone

Support from management is crucial

“Difficult to be someone’s buddy when there is no support from our manager. I felt a bit powerless in my effort to help.”

“My manager is very supportive in these cases. It is so important to have a manager like that.”

“You need the acknowledgement from your manager. Something like ‘I know you a going through a rough time. I see you’.”

Organisational follow-up can still be deficient, even with a buddy system

“A debriefing, that’s it. And in some cases, that is not enough.”

“You may be too exhausted to reach out yourself.”

Informal peer support is already in place

A formalised system is unnecessary, especially in smaller units

“I work in a smaller team, where I feel acknowledged and listened to, when things are difficult.”

“We have a very compassionate culture in our unit, so the buddy system seems unnecessary here.”

The Buddy system requires continuous updating and visibility

The turnover of staff in large departments is a challenge

“The project was not visible enough. I was not included when I started at the department.”

It was unclear when to activate the buddy system

“I have considered activating my buddy. But I was uncertain whether the event was severe enough. So, I didn’t.”