Healthcare professionals face traumatic events regularly, impacting their well-being and potentially patient care. The Armstrong Medical Care Program, “Caring for the Caregiver,” addresses this by training peer responders to provide support. This program, modeled after Johns Hopkins’ successful RISE program, equips healthcare workers with tools to offer psychological first aid and emotional support to colleagues in distress.
Implementing the Armstrong Medical Care Program
The Armstrong Institute, in partnership with the Maryland Patient Safety Center, provides a structured approach to establish peer support programs within hospitals. This comprehensive program involves two key steps: implementation training and peer responder training.
Step 1: Building a Foundation for Peer Support
The initial step involves a one-day “Caring for the Caregiver: Implementing RISE” workshop. This workshop provides a detailed roadmap for building a successful peer responder program. Participants, including core implementation team members, learn strategies for program design, addressing potential obstacles, and effectively recruiting peer responders. The Armstrong Institute can conduct this training on-site, tailoring it to the specific needs of each hospital.
Step 2: Equipping Peer Responders with Essential Skills
Following the implementation workshop, a multidisciplinary group of hospital staff participates in the “Peer Support for Caregivers in Distress: RISE Peer Responder Basic Training.” This one-day course focuses on developing skills in psychological first aid and emotional support. The Armstrong program recommends recruiting volunteers from diverse departments and care settings to ensure comprehensive coverage and varied perspectives. This training is generally held at the participating hospital.
Accessing the Armstrong Medical Care Program
The Armstrong Institute offers both virtual and in-person workshops for the “Caring for the Caregiver” program. Registration details and upcoming workshop dates are available on their website. Pricing varies based on affiliation with Johns Hopkins. Individuals interested in learning more about this vital program and how it can benefit their organization can explore the provided resources and contact the Armstrong Institute directly. A clear cancellation and refund policy is also available for review.
Conclusion
The Armstrong medical care program provides a crucial resource for hospitals seeking to support their staff’s well-being. By implementing a structured peer support system, healthcare institutions can foster a culture of compassion and resilience, ultimately benefiting both employees and patients. The program empowers healthcare workers to navigate challenging situations and provides access to essential emotional support, creating a healthier and more supportive work environment.
