How peer review groups support learning and wellbeing in psychiatrists.

Objective: To explore the self-reported value of Peer Review Groups (PRGs) by Australian psychiatrists, focussing on learning and wellbeing.

Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods online survey of psychiatrists registered with the NSW Branch Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) who had attended a PRG in the previous 12 months.

Results: Respondents described PRG participation as supportive to their learning and to their professional wellbeing by sharing professional experiences, emotional support for the inherent stresses of practice, the provision of a space for debriefing and the amelioration of professional isolation. Difficulties or challenges in group functioning were reported rarely and included new group member selection and limitations to individual support provided by the group.

Conclusions: The PRG form of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is unique, popular and highly valued by psychiatrists. In addition to supporting learning, PRGs provide a collegial space for processing of emotional aspects of practice that in turn supports wellbeing. Other healthcare professionals might benefit from similar self-directed, self-selected small group peer contact for CPD.