N SCHWARTZ ROUND

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• Study Title: The Schwartz Round at the Neonatal Unit Is Driving Improvements in Both Staff Working Environments and Quality of Patient Care

• Authors: Collins L, Currie A, Kawati A

• Institution: Kettering General Hospital

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Background

• Schwartz Rounds provide a structured forum for healthcare staff (clinical and non-clinical) to discuss emotional and social aspects of their work.

• The Level 3 NICU faced several challenges:

  • Increasing number of consultants

  • Overseas nurses unfamiliar with the local team

  • Staff feeling disconnected from families

  • Reduced team cohesion and potential impact on patient care

• Aim: Improve compassionate care, inclusivity, and reduce hierarchical barriers.

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Implementation

• Collaboration with the hospital’s well-being department to establish a steering group.

• Initial session held to gather staff input on discussion topics.

• Monthly Schwartz Rounds introduced.

• Sessions provided:

  • Structured format

  • Psychologically safe reflective space

  • Inclusion of diverse professional and cultural backgrounds

• Feedback collected via surveys to assess impact on:

  • Team relationships

  • Emotional insight

  • Patient care

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Results

• 97% found discussions relevant and gained insights to enhance patient care.

• 95% reported improved collaboration.

• 93% intended to attend future sessions.

• 83% rated their experience as excellent or exceptional.

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Conclusion

• High engagement and satisfaction demonstrate strong positive impact.

• Schwartz Rounds:

  • Improved team cohesion and staff well-being

  • Enhanced emotional understanding among colleagues

  • Fostered mutual support and empathy

  • Contributed to improved patient care

• Established as a valuable and integral component of NICU culture.

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Schwartz Rounds — What Is It?

Schwartz Rounds are structured, multidisciplinary meetings in healthcare settings where staff come together to discuss the emotional and social aspects of caring for patients.

🔹 Key Features

• Open to all staff (clinical and non-clinical)

• Focus on feelings and experiences, not clinical problem-solving

• Led by trained facilitators

• Provide a safe, confidential space for reflection

• Usually held monthly

🔹 Purpose

• Support staff well-being

• Reduce stress and burnout

• Improve teamwork and communication

• Foster compassionate care

🔹 What Happens in a Session?

• A small panel shares personal experiences around a theme (e.g., difficult cases, grief, moral distress).

• The audience reflects and discusses how the topic resonates with them.

• Emphasis is on shared experience and emotional insight, not blame or medical decisions.

🔹 Why It Matters

By helping staff process the emotional impact of healthcare work, Schwartz Rounds:

• Strengthen team cohesion

• Break down hierarchical barriers

• Improve empathy among colleagues

• Ultimately enhance patient care

In short: Schwartz Rounds are a structured forum that supports the emotional well-being of healthcare staff to improve workplace culture and patient care.