Support for compassionate care: Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of Schwartz Center Rounds in an acute general hospital

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of Schwartz Center Rounds, a multi-disciplinary forum to reflect on the emotional consequences of working in healthcare, on the staff of a large acute general hospital over a three-year period. DESIGN Evaluation data following each Round were collected routinely from all staff attending over this period and analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. SETTING An integrated university teaching trust with both acute hospital and community services in the North East of England. PARTICIPANTS Over the three-year period of the study, 795 participant evaluation forms were returned by staff attending the Rounds. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A standard evaluation form completed at the end of each Round by those present, including ratings on a five-point scale against each of eight statements and an opportunity to offer additional free text comments. RESULTS The findings show a very positive response to all aspects of the Rounds by staff who attended. The most highly rated statement was: 'I have gained insight into how others think/feel in caring for patients'. This was reinforced by the qualitative analysis in which the primary theme was found to be Insight. There were no significant differences between disciplines/staff groups, indicating that all staff whether clinical or non-clinical responded to the Rounds equally positively. CONCLUSIONS Schwartz Rounds are highly valued by staff from all disciplines, and by managers and other non-clinicians as well as clinicians. They appear to have the potential to increase understanding between different staff, and so to reduce isolation and provide support.