PMHCA-Led Peer Learning and Clinical Support

Essential Resources for ED Staff in Pediatric Mental Health

PMHCAs can create peer learning and discussion forums that connect EDs with pediatric mental health experts. These sessions build knowledge, confidence, and care coordination. As EDs face more pediatric mental health emergencies, staff may feel unprepared or isolated. PMHCA-led peer forums and Q&As offer safe spaces for discussion, peer learning, and real-time problem solving, helping teams share effective practices and provide timely care.


Step-By-Step Guide to Hosting Peer Learning & Clinical Q&A Sessions

Use the steps below to plan and facilitate regular sessions that are valued by ED teams and sustainable for PMHCA to manage.


  • Clinical Q&A Sessions: Monthly, 30-45 minutes, open agenda with optional spotlight topic.
  • Peer Learning Forums: Quarterly, 60 minutes, themed sessions with cases or site spotlights.
  • Record Session (with permission) and summarize and share highlights for those unable to attend live.

Establish and share guidelines to create a respectful, inclusive, and useful experience for all attendees. These may include:

  • Confidentiality: Remind participants not to share identifiable patient information. Use de-identified cases or scenarios
  • Respect: Create a space for all roles (nurses, techs, physicians, etc.) to share without judgment
  • Participation: Encourage, but don’t require, verbal participation. Chat and polls are equally valid ways to engage.
  • Supportive Tone: Reinforce that no question is too small or obvious. Everyone is learning together.
  • Time Awareness: Use an agenda to keep the discussion focused so everyone’s time is respected.
  • Shared Credit: Celebrate site-level innovations or good questions as contributions to collective learning.

Tip: Share these guidelines at the start of every session and include them in the calendar invites or reminder emails.

  • Develop a quarterly calendar with topics and dates
  • Send invites early with descriptions and sign-up forms
  • Allow pre-submitted questions or anonymous case examples
  • Designate internal champions at each ED site to spread the word

  • Assign a moderator (PMHCA or guest facilitator) to:
    • Welcome participants and review guidelines
    • Manage time, transitions, and conversation flow
    • Monitor the chat and uplift quieter voices
  • Use engagement tools like live polls, case walk-throughs, or mini resource demos
  • Highlight helpful resources or tools referenced during the conversation
  • Send a recap email within 48 hours, including:
    • Summary of takeaways
    • Links to resources or toolkits mentioned
    • Invite for the next session, plus link to submit questions
  • Log questions or patterns that may inform future TA, training, or resource development
  • Feature site “guest presenter” for short show-and-tell
  • Create a running Q&A archive for PMHCA internal or public use
  • Host themed sessions by discipline (e.g., nurses, social workers) or challenge (boarding, youth aggression, etc.)

PMHCA should monitor:

  • Participation numbers, provider type such as ED physician, nurse practitioner, and site reach
  • Repeat attendance or engagement by site
  • Common themes or FAQs from the field
  • Feedback from participants
  • Resulting shifts in resource requests or practice change
Back to Screening Tools for EDs