PURPOSE: Analysis of data from nearly 150 VA medical centers over a three-year period in 2019 by the Partnership for Public Service and the Boston Consulting Group showed a statistically significant link between employee engagement and patient satisfaction. Schwartz Rounds, sponsored by the national Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, offer a way to engage providers in an interdisciplinary dialogue and improve communication (the Joint Commission lists Schwartz Rounds as a recommended resource for this purpose). Schwartz Rounds are currently held at a number of VA medical centers, but there is limited data on their effectiveness in the VA. The purpose of this initiative was to establish Schwartz Rounds at VA Connecticut and assess its effectiveness in engaging providers and improving communication.
BACKGROUND: Schwartz Rounds provide an opportunity to discuss the social and emotional issues providers face in caring for patients and families. In contrast to traditional medical rounds, the focus is on the human dimension of medicine. Providers have an opportunity to share their experiences, thoughts and feelings on diverse topics, often drawn from patient cases. Schwartz Rounds have been shown to enhance providers’ teamwork, decrease their perceived stress and improve their ability to cope with the psychosocial demands of care (Lown, 2010).
RESULTS: We initiated quarterly Schwartz Rounds at VA Connecticut in early 2020. They are based in our Cancer Center but coordinated through Hospital Education and open to all employees, and CME is available. We have held two sessions to date, the second via Webex due to COVID-19. We collected detailed survey data from participants after each session. Feedback was positive with 79% and 65% of respondents rating the sessions as excellent, 95% and 90% reporting feeling less isolated, and 100% at both sessions reporting feeling better prepared to understand the experiences of and communicate with colleagues.
CONCLUSIONS: Schwartz Rounds at VA Connecticut have been well received and effective in engaging providers. Preliminary data suggests a positive impact on well-being and relationships with colleagues. This forum may help VA medical centers improve multidisciplinary employee engagement and communication, goals that have become even more important during the recent pandemic.
