Tai Paquin, LADAC

In a fast-paced world that is often defined by individual achievements and a competitive nature, witnessing groups collaborating can be a refreshing change in pace. Recently, I have had the privilege of observing coaching calls and webinars that engage our cohort in meaningful discussions with one another. These interactions left a big impression on me, and you, as I have heard many requests and interest in having more peer networking opportunities.

Enter Peer-to-Peer Learning, which offers numerous benefits, particularly in our personal growth, professional, and organizational development. In healthcare settings, peer-to-peer learning has been used effectively in continuing education and professional development settings. Studies have shown that it improves clinical skills, enhances teamwork, and leads to better patient outcomes (Cole, 2021). Below, I discuss the advantages of peer learning and ways to put them into practice through the lens of the BH2I support.

Benefits

  • Active Involvement: Peer-to-peer learning encourages active participation, which enhances understanding and retention of information. Engaging in discussions, teaching others, and collaborative problem-solving helps solidify knowledge. Examples of active participation have been observed in the recent BH2I Cohort Coaching Calls. Participants in small groups have actively engaged in tasks and discussions on topics such as self-care, trauma informed practices, and supervision.
  • Different Perspectives: Learning from peers exposes individuals to diverse viewpoints and approaches. This diversity fosters a deeper understanding of topics as participants learn to see problems and solutions from multiple angles. The diverse group of individuals from various tribes across the U.S. has been beneficial for peer-to-peer learning. Despite our similarities, we each come from distinct tribal or clinic settings and possess unique backgrounds and experiences. This diversity allows us to bring different perspectives on integrating behavioral health and offer insight that others may not have considered.
  • Real-World Use: Peer learning often involves hands-on activities and real-world problem-solving, which help in developing practical skills. For instance, role-playing in-clinic scenarios helps learners to apply or visualize this information in a practical context. Real world use comes up most often when we are participating in webinars, and the presenters try to get participants to play out how these things could be utilized in their clinical settings.
  • Communication and Leadership: Participating in peer learning increases communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. Explaining concepts to peers and leading discussions fosters these critical soft skills. One way this has been implemented by BH2I, involves grantees leading discussions during coaching calls and showcasing their achievements (i.e., “Milestones”) on the BH2I website.
  • Supportive Environment: A peer-to-peer learning environment is often less intimidating than formal training structures. The support and encouragement from peers can boost confidence and reduce anxiety, making participants more willing to take risks and engage actively. Numerous individuals in the BH2I cohort have recognized the advantages of a supportive environment during peer support learning, particularly in discussions about self-care and burnout. Reflecting on past shared experiences during webinars, a common sentiment shared is a feeling of not being alone when facing the ups and downs associated with BH2I.
  • Building Community: Peer learning fosters a sense of community and belonging. It helps build strong, supportive relationships among participants, which can lead to a more collaborative and cohesive organizational culture. As the BH2I cohort enters into year three, a sense of community is establishing itself, as evidenced by the numerous requests to hold a cohort 2 convening. And though this is unable to happen this contract year, we are hopeful to bring this opportunity to the BH2I Cohort next year.
  • Sharing Knowledge: This approach promotes a culture of knowledge sharing, where individuals are encouraged to share their expertise and learn from each other. This can lead to continuous improvement and innovation within the organization. This is particularly evident during webinars or technical assistance (TA) calls when individuals or sites express a need for knowledge on specific topics, such as billing or screening assessment. These topics may be areas where other sites have relevant experience and are willing to share their experiences. The BH2I TA providers facilitate communication with and among BH2I grant recipients to enable this type of peer support.
  • Cost-Effective: Peer-to-peer learning can be more cost-effective compared to traditional training methods. It utilizes the existing knowledge and skills within the organization, reducing the need for external trainers and resources. The ability to participate in TA sessions, webinars, and coaching calls without the need for a significant financial investment is another benefit of peer-to-peer learning. It provides access to a wealth of knowledge from both TA providers and peers, available whenever needed. Moreover, some BH2I grantees have opted to conduct site visits to other grantee locations to gain firsthand insight into their operations and best practices.

Implementation

  • Identify Learning Goals: While our overarching objective is Behavioral Health (BH) Integration, it’s crucial for grantees to clearly and specifically articulate the needs or goals of their program. These could include enhancing warm handoff skills, gaining a deeper understanding of electronic health record systems, or developing effective funding strategies.
  • Matching Grantees: Grantees possess varying levels of experience and expertise. By identifying their clearly defined needs, the lead Training/Technical Assistance (T/TA) provider can match teams based on their skills and learning requirements, fostering effective peer group discussions.
  • Collaboration and Communication: The use of online platforms, such as email and Zoom, can facilitate ongoing communication among cohort members. Additionally, participating in regularly scheduled T/TA sessions and webinars helps maintain engagement and provides further opportunities for feedback and discussion.
  • Training and Resources: We cannot emphasize enough the value of team familiarization with the BH2I Toolkit. It serves as a vital resource for BH integration, offering client materials, templates, and guidance on grantee milestones.

Conclusion

In conclusion, implementing peer-to-peer learning brings numerous benefits, including enhanced learning, skill development, increased confidence, and a collaborative culture. It is a cost-effective, flexible approach that leverages the collective knowledge of the group, leading to improved outcomes and continuous improvement. And while the BH2I convening is set to happen next year (2025) additional opportunities to engage in peer-to-peer learning will be available over the next year. And lastly, knowledge sharing is about building connections and realizing our potential to grow together.

References

Cole, G. (2021). Building interest in psychiatry: Could peer-to-peer learning be a way forward in improving engagement in psychiatric education amongst medical students? European Psychiatry, 64, S594. https://doi-org.highlands.idm.oclc.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.1585