Benefits of Schwartz Rounds

Schwartz Rounds help staff because they reduce the feelings of stress and isolation which make it more difficult to provide compassionate care to patients. Schwartz Rounds also foster a greater sense of collaboration with colleagues because the stories that are shared during Rounds remind staff of their shared motivation to help their patients.

Evidence shows that Schwartz Rounds reduce professional hierarchies and improve communication between colleagues.

Staff who regularly attend Schwartz Rounds feel less stressed and isolated at work. Listening to colleagues describe the challenges of their work helps to normalise emotions, which are part and parcel of working in healthcare but are often kept under the surface.

This shared understanding manifests in improved communication between colleagues and a greater sense of teamwork. Discussing the personal impact of working in healthcare reduces the sense of hierarchy that exists between staff. Seeing beyond the professional identity of their colleagues allows staff to feel more connected to one another.

Participation in Rounds also helps to provide staff with greater insight into how all colleagues, regardless of role, play a vital part in the patient journey.

In this video, Head of Facilities Willam Britton talks about the emotional difficulties faced by his non-clinical staff:

85% of staff who participate in Schwartz Rounds feel better able to care for patients.

Schwartz Rounds give staff confidence in their ability to attend to the emotional aspects of patient care. Therefore, patients will benefit if staff feel supported by their organisations.

To find out more about the evidence base for Schwartz Rounds visit the evidence and resources sections of the website.

In this video, Occupational Therapist Diana Sheridan talks about the impact of Schwartz Rounds on her work:

It is essential that organisations support their staff in order 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 their 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. Over time, providing this reflective space can impact on the organisation more broadly. For example, staff often disclose experiences of fallibility and mistakes, which if carried into everyday practice can foster an open and transparent culture.

Read more about how Schwartz Rounds can benefit your organisation

Hear about the impact of Rounds from some of our Schwartz facilitators