Virtual Schwartz Rounds

Schwartz Rounds® offer a unique forum for convening and supporting healthcare staff, but with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, gathering became impossible for many of our healthcare member organizations. At the same time, healthcare workers coping with the intense stress and increased demands of providing care during the pandemic needed support and the opportunity to connect with one another more than ever.

In response, the Schwartz Center team, led by Chief Medical Officer Beth Lown, MD, in partnership with Patricia Watson, PhD, of the National Center for PTSD, developed guidance for convening “Virtual” Schwartz Rounds (VSR) via online meeting platforms. Since then, VSR sessions have been a welcome source of support and respite for our member community.

What are Virtual Schwartz Rounds?

VSR are remote convenings that take place online using virtual meeting platforms. They provide a forum for connecting with healthcare colleagues facing challenging experiences while trying to care for themselves and others. As with in-person Schwartz Rounds, they are opportunities to connect with one another about difficult or uplifting experiences, to offer and to receive support, and to decrease a sense of isolation.

VSR are not intended to replace standard, in-person Schwartz Rounds, but to provide our member organizations with an additional support mechanism that can be offered to healthcare staff in this time of crisis.

What are the goals of Virtual Schwartz Rounds?

The goals of VSR are to support compassion for self and others, encourage mindful self-care, share coping strategies, and foster connection and community.

How can my organization implement Virtual Schwartz Rounds?

All Schwartz Center healthcare members in good standing have access to VSR training, resources and support as part of their Schwartz Center membership. Learn more about joining the Schwartz Center member community and membership benefits.

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