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Implementing Schwartz Rounds in an Irish maternity hospital

Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) volume 190, pages 205–208 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Working in maternity hospital is usually a rewarding experience for staff. However, it can also be stressful and emotionally difficult work. Schwartz Rounds are a multidisciplinary forum which provides staff with an opportunity to reflect on the emotional impact of their work and support each other.

Aims

This paper will discuss the implementation of Schwartz Rounds in a maternity hospital and gives details of a pilot study to evaluate the initiative.

Methods

Schwartz Rounds were commenced in the hospital in September 2019, and an evaluation is in progress. A pilot study which evaluated 2 rounds has been completed. Staff who attended Schwartz Rounds were asked to complete an anonymous feedback form immediately following the Round. The data from feedback forms were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Seventy-eight members of staff from almost all departments attended the rounds. Feedback forms were completed by 55 members of staff. Overall, the rounds were very positively evaluated by those who participated in the study.

Conclusions

Schwartz Rounds are an effective way to support staff working in a maternity hospital.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin, Ireland

    Sarah Cullen

Authors
  1. Sarah Cullen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sarah Cullen.

Ethics declarations

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Conflict of interest

The author declares that she has no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

Ethical approval was granted for this project.

Informed consent

Participation in the study was completely voluntary and informed consent was received.

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Cite this article

Cullen, S. Implementing Schwartz Rounds in an Irish maternity hospital. Ir J Med Sci 190, 205–208 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-020-02268-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-020-02268-6

Keywords

  • Compassion
  • Maternity
  • Schwartz Rounds
  • Staff support