4 minute read
Schwartz Rounds – online tips
TOP TIPS FOR ONLINE SCHWARTZ ROUNDS
With the ongoing restrictions imposed by COVID-19 necessitating continued social distancing, and for some, remote-working, many sites that had adopted Schwartz Rounds pre-pandemic, were increasingly contemplating making the move from the traditional face to face setting to an online forum.
However, this switch from the familiar method to a virtual Round posed many questions and some concerns for the facilitators and clinical leads. How would they manage the online piece? What platform should be used? How can they manage the facilitated discussion? And how could they ensure the psychological safety of those present? These questions were a frequent topic of discussion between mentors and their sites, and also raised by the wider community at the Schwartz Rounds Community of Practice gatherings.
“As a mentor group, we could see that there was a great desire from many sites to continue running the Rounds, as colleagues were in need of the social and emotional support provided by them. Although the Team Time training provided by the Point of Care Foundation provided a solid foundation for introducing the concept of online Rounds, many sites were grappling with the practicalities involved in applying the practice within their own organisation,” explained Amanda Vaughan and Irene Maguire, Schwartz Rounds Facilitators.
“With that in mind, the mentors felt some guidance around best practice might be helpful to build confidence and we discussed how we might produce a simple infographic to provide sites with a roadmap on how to prepare for and deliver an online Round or Team Time session. It was important for us to make the content engaging, user friendly and practical, building confidence in the Schwartz community. One of the key messages was the familiar saying from Benjamin Franklin “failing to prepare is preparing to fail” and a successful online Round was for many, the result of careful planning.”
the art of
Participating in an Online Schwartz Round
Schwartz Rounds are facilitated multidisciplinary conversations about the emotional impact of our work. BEFORE THE ROUND?
Online Schwartz Rounds aim toprovide a safe space forcolleagues to reflect togetheron the lived experience ofworking in healthcare, helpingstaff feel connected andsupported.
Take a few minutes to:
Slow down, have a tea/coffee/water, allow yourself to enter a reflective space
Try to find a private space to attend the Online Schwartz Round and ensure you can comply with physical distancing of 2 metres for the duration of the session
Join the chosen online platform with the meeting ID and password 5 minutes before the Round starts & join with audio & visual
Try to use headphones/ earphones with a microphone if you can, as this will enhance the privacy of all who are speaking in the session.
Ensure your device has adequate battery power!
DURING THE ROUND
Leave your camera on for introductions Type your name in the chatbox function to introduce yourself Switch off your camera and mute mic for the storytelling to minimise distractions Stories are told without interruption, comment or applause Switch on your camera when invited by the Facilitator for the group discussion
ENDING THE ROUND
The Facilitators will signpost the staff supports available to those who may like to access them A feedback link will appear in the Chatbox function please take a moment to respond as it is important to give your feedback Finish with a butterfly hug or other grounding technique JOINING
THE DISCUSSION
Remember it impact of the are reflecting is the emotional stories that we on Silence is normal, allow yourself to sit with it and reflect on the stories/your thoughts and feelings If you feel overwhelmed you can message the Facilitator privately in the Chatbox If you wish to contribute, type your name in the chatbox & the Facilitator will invite you to share your reflection
OTHER TIPS
Acknowledge the isolation -this is normal in the current climate Remember it is a confidential, non- judgemental space - allow yourself to feel vulnerable Take some time for yourself after the Round Check in with colleagues that may have attended also
The need for self -care and psychological safety was also an important message for the facilitators, clinical leads, storytellers and the audience, both before and after the Round. This could be managed by grounding techniques such as the butterfly hug, taking time out to reflect pre and post Round and also by signposting other emotional and well-being supports available within the organisation.
“We also realised that the audience at the Round needed some guidelines around how to participate, as for many, the behaviors and skills required to benefit from an online Round were in some ways quite unfamiliar. So, although the intention was to develop one infographic, we actually ended up developing two and we hope that sites, both new and the more established, will find them helpful,” they added.
