Created by and for rural clinicians, the Isolated Medical Provider Aftercare Team (IMPACT) offers confidential peer-to-peer support to rural physicians and to nurses in remote nursing stations in British Columbia who have experienced a potentially challenging incident in the course of their work.

“We have had very meaningful connections with our IMPACT peers. I recall a recent phone call with a rural specialist who experienced a very challenging transfer of a very sick patient. She clearly found it helpful to process the experience with a trusted Rural colleague who understood…who has been there. I think it was useful to help her reframe the experience and remind her that she saved a life. It is remarkable how readily we take on the responsibility for system challenges…circumstances beyond our control. I think it is healing to be able to speak with someone who can validate our experience.”
Plans for the Future
During 2023-24, IMPACT will continue to promote the availability of this peer support resource for rural and remote providers.
The team plan to continue strengthening their partnership with BC Emergency Health Services, working to establish a new easy process for Patient Transfer Coordinators to notify IMPACT when a provider may have been affected by a challenging event. They will also be participating in ongoing collaboration with the Physician Health Program, and exchange learnings with other physician peer support programs in the province.