Addressing the value of Humanism - Dugoni Peer Support Program

Authors

Amy Engel, University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of DentistryFollow
Tori McRae, University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of DentistryFollow
Bruce Peltier, University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni, School of DentistryFollow
Bernadette Alvear Fa, University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni, School of DentistryFollow

Lead Author Affiliation

University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

Lead Author Program & Year

DDS Year 2

Presentation Category

Other

Introduction/Context/Diagnosis

Graduate students pursuing careers in healthcare experience copious amounts of stress, lack of self-esteem and anxiety. These stressors place students at risk for depression, behavioral disorders and even suicidal behavior. Professional healthcare schools, specifically dental institutions, need programs to promote mental health wellness and help-seeking. The objective of the Dugoni Peer Support Program (PSP) is to address the need for mental health awareness and support at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, an accelerated DDS program in San Francisco.

Methods/Treatment Plan

Peer Supporters are recruited through email and private social media postings. Supporters are volunteer students, staff and alumni. Mandatory training occurred twice since the start of the program in January 2018 by the school’s psychologist on how to be an effective listener and protocols one should take in a crisis situation. The PSP is publicized to the student body through email, private social media groups and presentations during orientation and matriculation week. Students can seek support by emailing the program’s confidential email or directly emailing a trained supporter. Supporter biographies are published to all new incoming students and available via intranet course sites.

Results/Outcome

Training to become a peer supporter was initiated March 2018 and the dental school currently has twenty-four trained peer supporters, eighteen alumni who can be contacted via telephone and/or email, in addition to psychologist available to offer training. Currently, two students have contacted a trained supporter

Significance/Conclusions

Currently, this new program addresses a University competency (27), "self care" to reduce stress and maintain well-being. The value of a program such as PSP is necessary for a dental institution to better promote the value of humanism, wellness and provide the productive support. All components are essential for all students to thrive as healthcare professionals and individuals both in school and after they graduate.

Format

Event