Schwartz Rounds provide a structured forum where all staff, clinical and non-clinical, come together regularly to discuss the emotional and social aspects of working in health and social care.

The purpose of Rounds is to understand the challenges and rewards that are intrinsic to providing care, not to solve problems or to focus on the clinical aspects of patient care.

Rounds can help staff feel more supported in their jobs, allowing them the time and space to reflect on their roles. Evidence shows that staff who attend Rounds feel less stressed and isolated, with increased insight and appreciation for each other’s roles. They also help to reduce hierarchies between staff and to focus attention on relational aspects of care.

The underlying premise for Rounds is that the compassion shown by staff can make all the difference to a patient’s experience of care, but that in order to provide compassionate care staff must, in turn, feel supported in their work.

Schwartz Rounds are a place where people who don’t usually talk about the heart of the work are willing to share their vulnerability, to question themselves. The program provides an opportunity for dialogue that doesn’t happen anywhere else in the system.

Benefits of the rounds

Schwartz Rounds provide the support staff need to create a strong, open culture where high quality and compassionate care can flourish. Stories shared in Schwartz Rounds have the ability to empower staff and our organisations. Staff can reconnect with their values and reaffirm their motivation to work in healthcare. Schwartz Rounds provide the only forum for staff at all levels across an organisation to come together.

Schwartz Rounds have been accredited by CPD-UK, who give third party assurance that the Rounds meet CPD standards. It is up to individual staff members to identify the learning benefit, number of points and type of CPD activity, e.g. reflective practice.

If you would like to obtain your CPD certificate please use the chat to get in touch with us.