“Reflection is an essential practice in healthcare, but frequently takes an analytical approach on how to improve a situation for similar future events. Often, the feelings of healthcare staff are not regarded, and a meaningful opportunity is missed. Schwartz Rounds aim to bring fundamental changes, giving healthcare professionals a structured outlet to express their emotions and allowing vulnerability. “
I attended Schwartz Rounds, a safe space for healthcare professionals to share thought-provoking stories about their experiences in clinical practice, with a focus on reflective practice by considering the emotional aspects in a supported and confidential environment. I attended alongside storytellers, facilitators, and many other students from various health-science courses in a well-constructed and thought-out meeting. The subject? “I took a risk…”
The meeting begins with a few decompression exercises. An effective method of practicing mindfulness and taking a moment to pause after a long and busy day, preparing participants into a relaxed state of mind.
A facilitator begins with introductions and a thorough background history on the Schwartz Rounds which was fascinating, as this programme was started by a patient who was receiving care from healthcare professionals. Schwartz Rounds is practiced in other countries namely, United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Three story tellers sequentially shared their clinical experiences in line with the topic “I took a risk”. Reflecting on a time when they were presented with a complicated situation which required them to build the courage and take a chance to make a difficult decision in order to benefit their patient.
Three very different stories, all reaffirming the important message that we, healthcare staff can make a significant difference in other people’s lives. It also reinforced how even the smallest gestures are invaluable. Each story induced laughter and tears, but each were also very intriguing and inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting and felt an hour went too fast!
Following this Round, I feel an increased sense of compassion for patients and appreciation for healthcare staff. I am reminded that together, we can bring more humanity into our care and that each patient is not just a bed number – but a unique individual who is the most important thing in somebody else’s life. An eye-opening experience where three brave people put their patients’ best interests at heart and took a risk. Their courage inspired us.