After this session you’ll be able to:

1. Recognize signs of emotional and physical stress in your team.
2. Identify a strategy for eliminating stigma and developing a peer support program in your surgical suite.
3. Explain the positive impact of compassion and empathy following a critical incident.

Why this is important:

Literature acknowledges that healthcare providers sustain emotional and physical stress following a critical incident, but few institutions have a critical incident management plan to support their healthcare providers. Lupear and Kildgore are returning this year to update attendees on the current status of their Peer Support and Employee Assistance Programs, implemented collaboratively with the department of anesthesia, perioperative nursing, and surgeons. The importance of developing such a program to provide appropriate support following a critical incident is often underestimated. The speakers will explore the training and disbursement of this program, which is changing the culture of a high-stress work environment.