RT Journal
A1 Tarpley JL, Tarpley JV
T1 Is there a role for peer support in times of emotional stress?: Is it enough?: comment on “physicians' needs in coping with emotional stressors”
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 2012
FD March 1
VO 147
IS 3
SP 218
OP 218
DO 10.1001/archsurg.2011.313
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.2011.313
AB 
The one-to-one peer support described by Hu and colleagues appears promising. The study addresses personal trauma and adverse events. The revised program only describes support for the latter, although the conclusion anticipates expanded outreach. Help “off the record” is a major desire of physicians who have experienced a traumatic event. Questions arise. How are levels of stress stratified? Who will initiate peer support for personal trauma such as substance abuse, marital difficulties, and workplace conflict? While training is key, what are the limits of peer support and what power of referral does the peer mentor have in cases that exceed one's ability to provide care?