1. The question you asked after the panel discussion (10 marks) 

After reading the pre-reading article, two points stood out to me:

  1. The noticeable shift in ED staff attitudes as the project progressed.
  2. A staff quote suggesting that the money spent on these roles could have been allocated elsewhere.

You mentioned ongoing education for staff to ensure effective integration of these roles. My question is:
 Are there strategies to ensure peers feel comfortable, safe, and appreciated in their roles from the very beginning?

2. How did you feel it was answered by (10 marks) 

I felt the response was thoughtful and grounded in practical experience. Eric drew on his personal experience working in the ED at St Paul’s alongside these roles while also acknowledging the differences between the centers, which added credibility. His suggestion of pairing peers with a substance use nurse in the ED seems like an effective way to foster support and safety from the start. I also appreciate the recognition that education is needed to support the utilization of these roles and to ensure staff in these roles feel safe and supported in the acute care environment.

3. What went well? (5 marks) 

  • Eric’s ability to connect his answer to real-world experience made the response relatable and actionable.
  • The proposed strategy of collaboration between peers and substance use nurses was practical and likely to enhance peer confidence and integration.
  • Acknowledgement that education for the other staff could promote acceptance of these roles.

4. What can be done better? Identify 2 or more areas of improvements (10 marks)

  • Indigenous perspectives were acknowledged as a gap in safety but not explored in terms of actionable strategies to improve inclusivity and cultural safety for Indigenous peers.
  • The response could have expanded on the importance of education beyond ongoing education—such as incorporating harm reduction, indigenous wellness, and the importance of these roles into new staff orientation as well as the ongoing education component. 

5. What can be done to improve? (Provide 3 or more suggestions for improvement). (15 marks) 

  • Collaborate with Indigenous organizations that support peer roles to ensure cultural safety and inclusivity. Partnerships can help expand knowledge on these roles as well as ensure the role-out is done in a culturally grounded and safe way for the peers. 
  • Consult with elders or knowledge keepers to guide Indigenous peers and provide cultural education for ED staff to promote cultural safety and humility.
  • Integrate peer role education into ED staff orientation, including a shadow day with peers and substance use nurses to build understanding and acceptance early on.