What are Schwartz Rounds?
Schwartz Rounds are an interprofessional, reflective forum where students and newly qualified staff from across the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences can come together to discuss the emotional impact of their work and training. They are a confidential space that can help generate greater insight into our own responses and feelings by listening and sharing experiences with colleagues.
Working in the caring professions involves facing many distressing situations which can affect our wellbeing. Rounds can help us feel more connected to each other and promote a more compassionate culture to help us care for people using services.
Rounds last for one hour and a panel of 2-3 storytellers share their experiences of practice and how this has made them feel. Lunch is provided at in-person Rounds.
Two trained facilitators co-ordinate the Round and invite members of the audience to share similar stories and experiences after the storytellers have spoken. Rounds focus on feelings and do not seek solutions to practice dilemmas.
Confidentiality is maintained but conversations about content and connections are encouraged outside of the group.
This short, animated video from the 天美传媒 of Liverpool explains the benefits of
The story of Schwartz Rounds
Schwartz Rounds began in the USA because of the , a health-care lawyer based in Boston. Ken was diagnosed with terminal cancer at a young age and noticed that the 鈥渟mall acts of kindness made the unbearable bearable鈥. Schwartz Rounds were conceived to promote humanity and compassion in the way we treat our colleagues and therefore people using services.
"I have learned that medicine is not merely about performing tests or surgeries, or administering drugs鈥 For as skilled and knowledgeable as my caregivers are, what matters most is that they have empathized with me in a way that gives me hope and makes me feel like a human being, not just an illness." Ken Schwartz, Boston Globe 1995
What students say about Rounds
The stories are very emotional and underpin the need for us to be always kind and empathetic to each other and patients. It really goes a long way.
I found the storytellers experience, fears and courage very inspirational. To the panelists, my sincere thanks and appreciation for their courage and jobs they do.
Listen to Kelly & Katie talking about #SchwartzRounds in the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences! Where students can discuss the emotional impact of working in Health & Social Care!
Why is the 天美传媒 running Rounds?
Research shows that discussing the emotional aspects of providing care for others can reduce distress, help us feel less isolated and promote a culture of compassionate care. We are committed to supporting your wellbeing and believe that attending regular Rounds will help break down barriers and support better working together. Rounds are a confidential, reflective forum that are safe and supportive, providing a foundation for future professional practice and learning.
The 天美传媒 is part of an initiative to introduce Rounds into the Higher Education sector, run by the called "Schwartz South". This is funded by Health Education England.
The 天美传媒 of Liverpool has been running a similar project, "Schwartz North". Since 2019, Schwartz North has supported nine other higher education institutions to run Rounds with students and newly qualified health and social care staff.
The 天美传媒 have a contract with the who provide training and support to deliver Rounds in the UK.
- All Health and Social Science students
- Please book via Eventbrite
- Volunteer as a storyteller or just come and share the experience as part of the audience.
If you want to know more about Schwartz Rounds or join the panel as a storyteller, please contact our Rounds administrator Dany.Arnaud@beds.ac.uk
This video will help you and includes staff and audience reflections regarding the distress of caring for a young person dying from cancer and relationships with family members.
Watch a Round from about the profound emotional impact of managing relations with a family whose baby is dying.
Jezereel Nyamwela (Newly qualified adult nurse)
Contact: Jezereel.Nyamwela@beds.ac.uk
Ciara Allot (School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Education)
Contact: CiaraRachel.Allott@beds.ac.uk
Fiona McFeeley (School of Society, Community and Health)
Contact: Fiona.McFeeley@beds.ac.uk
Chris Brice (School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Education)
Contact: Chris.Brice@beds.ac.uk
Caroline Reid (Rounds Lead and Co-Chair of the Steering Group)
Associate Dean Student Experience, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
Contact: Caroline.Reid@beds.ac.uk
Lisa Bostock (Co-Chair of the Steering Group and Rounds Facilitator)
Principal Research Fellow, Institute of Applied Social Research
Contact: Lisa.Bostock@beds.ac.uk
Dany Arnaud (Rounds administrator)
Project Administrator, BLMK Research & Innovation Hub
Contact: Dany.Arnaud@beds.ac.uk
Alberto Poletti
Principal Lecturer and Portfolio Lead for Social Work, School of Society, Community and Health
Contact: Alberto.Poletti@beds.ac.uk
Asha Urhobo
Teaching and Practice Coordinator, Health and Social Care, London Bridge
Contact: Aduke.Urhobo@beds.ac.uk
David Roberts
Mental health nurse, East London NHS Foundation Health Trust (ELFHT) partner
Contact: David.Roberts24@nhs.net
Mark Pedder
Lecturer Practitioner, Keech Hospice
Contact: Mark.pedder@keech.org.uk
Zara Bishop
Midwife, Bedford Hospital Foundation Trust
Contact: Zara.Bishop@beds.ac.uk
Kelly Clifford
Principal Lecturer and School Enhancement Lead, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Education
Contact: Kelly.Clifford@beds.ac.uk
Jude Ominyi
Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Education
Contact: Jude.Ominyi@beds.ac.uk
Sam Sibanda
Academic Portfolio Lead - 天美传媒 Centres, School of Applied Social Sciences
Contact: Sambulelwe.Sibanda@beds.ac.uk
Lisa Bostock
Principal Research Fellow, Institute of Applied Social Research
Contact: Lisa.Bostock@beds.ac.uk