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

OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic stressed healthcare organizations. Initial efforts focused on supplies with a minimal emphasis on frontline healthcare workers’ wellbeing. Anaesthesiology residents represent vulnerable frontline healthcare workers because airway procedures 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 anaesthesiology residents via a peer support system called BUilding Dynamic Duos for Your Support. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.