Sharing stories: How Schwartz Rounds are helping students and staff reflect, connect and belong

Storytelling sessions to share the challenges and opportunities with work, studying and life in general mark their second birthday at University of Northampton (UON).

Schwartz Rounds offer a structured forum for discussing the emotional and social aspects of working in the sector. At universities such as UON, Schwartz Rounds are delivered by two trained facilitators and provide students from health and other subject areas with a forum for reflection and learning.

The Rounds help students to better appreciate diverse professional roles and reinforce the importance of compassion.

They also help them build confidence when dealing with emotional situations and feel less stressed and isolated, in the safe sharing space of their campus.

The Rounds were introduced at UON in 2023, and the topics covered so far include ‘first day at university’, ‘neurodiversity and me in practice’, and ‘the day I made a difference’.

Associate Professor of Teaching and Learning, Alison Power, is the University’s Schwartz Round Lead. She says: “Rounds at UON are part of our commitment to Interprofessional Education, where students from different subjects learn with, from and about each other to enhance collaboration and teamworking.

“Schwartz Rounds have received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with one student telling us, ‘I found the Round inspiring. It’s important to listen to others and learn about their feelings and experiences. Sharing enables us to grow from the experiences of others.’

“Comments like these show us that Schwartz Rounds at the University are valued by students and we look forward to welcoming more of our students to future storytelling events.”

The impact and meaning of Schwartz Rounds in a Higher Education setting are discussed in research carried out by Alison and Mental Health Nursing student Anthony Fahnbulleh.

The article – published in British Journal of Midwifery – found that UON students who attended a Round reported improved emotional resilience and psychological safety. They also had a clearer perception of the benefits of providing compassionate care and engaging in interprofessional education.

Anthony says: “As a student who has engaged with Schwartz Rounds, I know the beneficial role they play in a student’s professional and personal development, something which came across loud and clear in the research.

“For me, being able to take part in a live piece of research about the Rounds, published in a peer-reviewed journal, is part of my professional journey. I’m deeply appreciative to have had this opportunity to take part and tell people about the value of Schwartz Rounds at UON.”

Find out more about Schwartz Rounds at University of Northampton.