The effectiveness of the peer-led PITSTOP (hot debrief) training for healthcare professionals

Support from peers after a challenging and traumatic event could help mitigate the development of psychological distress. We tested whether a training programme on peer-led team debriefing (called “PITSTOP”) improved healthcare professionals’ confidence to facilitate such a session, including actual implementation over the subsequent six months and the barriers to implementation. There were significant improvements post-training (N=153) on participants’ confidence, awareness, and knowledge to facilitate a PITSTOP. These effects were sustained over the subsequent six-month period (n=35), with 74% of participants at follow-up having been in a situation where a PITSTOP could have been helpful, with 62% of these then carrying out a PITSTOP. Team dynamics, staffing levels, and workload the main implementation barriers. This evaluation shows the utility and application of the PITSTOP training programme to support a psychologically informed peer-led approach as a way to support staff wellbeing following an adverse event.