Schwartz Rounds for smaller organisations
26 November 2015
Embargoed until 00:00 Friday 27 November 2015
The Point of Care Foundation has launched a new model to support the implementation of Schwartz Rounds within smaller organisations, featuring an online training package and increased peer support.
Director of the Schwartz Rounds Programme, Debbie Sandford said:
“More than 120 organisations have chosen to introduce Schwartz Rounds since 2008 in order to provide a forum where all staff can reflect on the social and emotional challenges of working in healthcare.
Rounds have traditionally been associated with large acute or single-site organisations, but a diverse range of smaller care providers have expressed interest in introducing them.
Research shows that all healthcare staff face similar emotional challenges in providing care, regardless of the setting. So we are excited about the scope of this new training and support package to extend the reach of Rounds.”
Ten organisations have signed up to join the first cohort, including hospices and primary care providers. Facilitators will receive training via an e-learning platform and will then provide peer support to each other as they start to run Rounds in their organisation.
The new model will be evaluated after the first cohort has completed training, before being rolled out more widely later in 2016.
Notes to editors
Schwartz Rounds are structured, monthly one-hour meetings open to all of the staff within an organisation. The purpose is to reflect on the experience of working in healthcare, rather than to solve problems or look for outcomes. Evidence shows that staff who attend Rounds feel more supported, valued and connected with others.
About The Point of Care Foundation
- The Point of Care Foundation is an independent charity dedicated to improving patients’ experience of care and increasing support for the staff who work with them.
- We provide evidence and resources to support health and care staff in the difficult work of caring for patients.
- We believe a truly patient-centred approach – focused on listening, understanding and responding to the needs of the whole individual – is essential to the delivery of the best possible quality of care.
- For media enquiries contact Patrick Cullen, communications manager on: 020 3841 5578 or at patrickcullen@pointofcarefoundation.org.uk. Out of hours on 07969 991 720.