The BUDDYS System: A Unique Peer Support Strategy Among Anaesthesiology Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic stressed healthcare organizations. Initial efforts focused on supplies with a minimal empha- sis on frontline healthcare workers' wellbeing. Anaesthesiology residents represent vulnerable frontline healthcare workers because airway pro- cedures increase nosocomial infection risks. Peer support can promote healthcare workers' wellbeing during crises; its application to graduate medical trainees is underrepresented in the literature. We implemented a quality improvement project to improve wellbeing among anaesthesiol- ogy residents via a peer support system called BUilding Dynamic Duos for Your Support. BUilding Dynamic Duos for Your Support consists of pairing 2 anaesthesiology residents with instructions to support each other in anticipation of a coronavirus disease 2019 case surge. A lecture presentation introduced this system to the residents and described frequent check-ins with another resident. We evaluated the initiative with a survey 2-4 weeks postimplementation. BUilding Dynamic Duos for Your Support began in April 2020 and involved 88 residents. Survey respondents (n = 58) indicated that BUilding Dynamic Duos for Your Support had a positive impact on their wellbeing. BUilding Dynamic Duos for Your Support implementation had no additional costs, requiring minimal resource dedication. BUilding Dynamic Duos for Your Support promoted wellbeing among anaesthesiology trainees. This quality improvement project highlights the positive impact of a peer support system on anaesthesiology residents' wellbeing with a potential broader application to graduate medical education.