Scaling Peer Support Programs to Drive Individual and Organizational Well-Being

Peer support programs have emerged as essential interventions to address the psychological and occupational impacts clinicians experience after adverse events, including second victim syndrome, burnout, and moral injury. This review examines the evolution, structure, and outcomes of peer support models across major health systems, highlighting their influence on clinician well-being, organizational culture, and safety outcomes. Evidence demonstrates that peer support mitigates burnout, reduces turnover, and enhances psychological recovery, while fostering transparency and interdisciplinary collaboration. Program case studies illustrate scalable strategies and challenges such as measurement limitations inherent in confidential support models. As health care organizations increasingly recognize the financial and cultural value of supporting clinicians after adverse events, peer support programs represent a critical, cost-effective component of a comprehensive well-being and safety strategy.