Objective:

To evaluate the impact of Peer Support Sessions (PSS) on the wellbeing of junior Neurology residents.

Background:

Burnout among Neurology residents is well-documented, with rates of emotional exhaustion exceeding 70% in some studies. Residency training is a time of high stress and limited opportunities for structured wellness with busy schedules and limited budgets. Peer support has demonstrated positive effects on both patient outcomes and physician well-being across various settings. We evaluated the effect of integrating a monthly PSS in place of one didactic lecture for first-year (PGY-1) and second-year (PGY-2) neurology residents.  

Design/Methods:

A monthly PSS was conducted for PGY-1 and PGY-2 neurology residents, moderated by a third year resident. Each session provided a confidential space for participants to share challenges and positive experiences from the preceding month. Resident well-being was assessed using the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) at baseline and after one year of monthly PSS. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests to compare pre- and post-intervention scores, as well as subgroup differences between PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents.

Results:

The mean total PGWBI score increased from 54.7 to 62.4. Among the PGY-2 residents who regularly attended the sessions, significant improvement was seen in general spirits (p 0.05), feeling depressed (p 0.001), and nervousness (p 0.03). PGY-1 residents attended the sessions inconsistently. No significant difference was noted within the PGY-1 residents.

Conclusions:

Implementing a monthly PSS as a substitute for one didactic lecture represents a feasible, low-cost intervention to enhance resident well-being. The findings suggest that structured peer discussion and reflection can alleviate distress. There was no significant difference seen within PGY-1, which is potentially due to inconsistent participation. This further underscores the importance of maintaining these sessions at regular intervals. Further studies should explore the longitudinal benefits of such initiatives and identify strategies to integrate wellness interventions into residency curriculum.