What are Schwartz Rounds?

Schwartz Rounds are an interprofessional, reflective forum where students and newly qualified staff from across the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences can come together to discuss the emotional impact of their work and training. They are a confidential space that can help generate greater insight into our own responses and feelings by listening and sharing experiences with colleagues.

Working in the caring professions involves facing many distressing situations which can affect our wellbeing. Rounds can help us feel more connected to each other and promote a more compassionate culture to help us care for people using services.

Rounds last for one hour and a panel of 2-3 storytellers share their experiences of practice and how this has made them feel. Lunch is provided at in-person Rounds.

Two trained facilitators co-ordinate the Round and invite members of the audience to share similar stories and experiences after the storytellers have spoken. Rounds focus on feelings and do not seek solutions to practice dilemmas.

Confidentiality is maintained but conversations about content and connections are encouraged outside of the group.

This short, animated video from the University of Liverpool explains the benefits of Schwartz Rounds for students

The story of Schwartz Rounds

Schwartz Rounds began in the USA because of the generosity of Kenneth Schwartz [PDF], a health-care lawyer based in Boston. Ken was diagnosed with terminal cancer at a young age and noticed that the “small acts of kindness made the unbearable bearable”. Schwartz Rounds were conceived to promote humanity and compassion in the way we treat our colleagues and therefore people using services.

"I have learned that medicine is not merely about performing tests or surgeries, or administering drugs… For as skilled and knowledgeable as my caregivers are, what matters most is that they have empathized with me in a way that gives me hope and makes me feel like a human being, not just an illness." Ken Schwartz, Boston Globe 1995

What students say about Rounds

The stories are very emotional and underpin the need for us to be always kind and empathetic to each other and patients. It really goes a long way.

I found the storytellers experience, fears and courage very inspirational. To the panelists, my sincere thanks and appreciation for their courage and jobs they do.

Why is the University of Bedfordshire running Rounds?

Research shows that discussing the emotional aspects of providing care for others can reduce distress, help us feel less isolated and promote a culture of compassionate care. We are committed to supporting your wellbeing and believe that attending regular Rounds will help break down barriers and support better working together. Rounds are a confidential, reflective forum that are safe and supportive, providing a foundation for future professional practice and learning.

The University of Bedfordshire is part of an initiative to introduce Rounds into the Higher Education sector, run by the University of Surrey called "Schwartz South". This is funded by Health Education England.

The University of Liverpool has been running a similar project, "Schwartz North". Since 2019, Schwartz North has supported nine other higher education institutions to run Rounds with students and newly qualified health and social care staff.

The University of Bedfordshire have a contract with the Point of Care Foundation who provide training and support to deliver Rounds in the UK.