Accepted Type
Oral
Code
OB1-2-2
Acceptance Declaration
Accept
Additional Information
I declare I have no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this program.
Was this work accepted for CCME 2020?
no
Category
General Call (Workshop, Oral Presentation, Poster Presentation)
Type
Oral
Sub Type
Education Innovation
Will the presenter be a:
Student
Affiliation
Considered for Poster
yes
Title
Changing the Culture: An Introduction to Medical Student Peer Support at the University of Alberta
Length of Presentation
Background/Purpose
Medical student levels of distress, depression and anxiety exceed that of their non-medical student peers (Moir et al, 2016). Despite this, many avoid seeking professional help, preferring instead to access support from their medical student peers (Chew-Graham et al, 2003). Peer Support has been shown to increase help seeking behaviors, decrease stigma around suicidality and promote social inclusion (Moir et al, 2016).
Summary of the Innovation
Until recently, the University of Alberta MD Program did not have a Medical Student Peer Support Service. In efforts to promote help seeking behaviour, we designed a student-lead and operated program in which medical students could schedule a one-on-one appointment with a trained peer supporter. We developed a training program adapted from the Canadian Mental Health Association's Edmonton Distress Line and tailored it to medical students providing peer support. Over the inaugural year we have recruited and trained 45 peer supporters from five classes and booked 27 appointments. Common topics discussed include academics (100%), Clerkship concerns (68%), CARMS (56%) and Personal Relationships (50%). All students receive a feedback survey post-appointment to which 41% (n=11) of students replied. All survey respondents strongly agreed that peer support helped them address their concern(s) and all respondents agreed or strongly agreed they would reach out to peer support again in the future.
Conclusion
The peer support program is well received by medical students providing support and those accessing it. To enhance visibility and address the isolation related to virtual teaching we have launched peer facilitated group support for the incoming class of 2024 and plan to follow data trends related to uptake and repeat appointments.
Keyword 1
Peer Support
Keyword 2
Physician & Learner Wellness
Level of Training
Undergraduate
Abstract Themes
Physician & Medical Student Health and Well-being
Additional Theme (First choice)
Student Affairs
Additional Theme (Second Choice)
Undergraduate
Additional Theme (Third Choice)
Leadership
Authors
Presenter
Kendra Raffael
Term 1
Yes
Term 2
Yes
Term 3
Yes
Term 4
Yes
Term 5
Yes
