need of perfection and the stress this adds to new students , she adds : ‘ The Schwartz Round gave me the opportunity to hear about other peoples ’ thoughts and feelings .
‘ I was surprised and relieved when imposter syndrome was mentioned by a paramedic student . I was shocked that they would still feel this way at the end of their degree . It immediately filled me with relief that my feelings are valid and I am not alone .
‘ It can be very lonely sitting with self-doubt ; it can affect learning and future development and it has held me back from speaking out in the past . As a professional , it is important to look after our own feelings and the impact these can have on our practice .
‘ Schwartz Rounds have given me the confidence to recognise that my feelings are real , valid and that my contributions are valuable to others , as well as my own development .’
The rounds provide opportunity for shared experiences , they bring multidisciplinary stories into a safe space and , as Thomas states , reflecting on our interdisciplinary role is an essential aspect of our HCPC standards of proficiency : ‘ Whether you ’ re a paramedic , occupational therapist , social worker or nurse , there is at least some relatable element we ’ re all familiar with as healthcare professionals ’.
It is also important to consider our professional autonomy . If Lauren feels able ‘ to speak up in a safe space ’, then maybe she will have the confidence to do this again in practice .
Amy suggested that rounds may reduce burn out ‘ by sharing the work and emotional pressures we carry ’. And as Thomas shared , ‘ it is often surprising what a relief it can be to find out that we are not alone with our anxieties ’.
Remembering that we are human can allow us to be kind to ourselves and empathetic when working together .
Overall , the students felt that the experience of sharing their stories promoted their emotional wellbeing . They felt Schwartz Rounds were a useful resource for all occupational therapy students , new registrants and qualified professionals to reflect on their practice , remain fit for practice ( HCPC 2023 ) and to continue to conduct best practice ( RCOT 2023 ).
Overall , everyone felt that Schwartz Rounds help connect you as occupational therapists to a wider professional community .
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Health and Care Professions Council ( 2023 ) Standards of proficiency . Available at https :// bit . ly / 3PRnpmX [ accessed 5 October 2023 ].
Holden CL , Wright LE , Herring AM and Sims PL ( 2021 ) Imposter syndrome among first- and continuing-generation college students : The roles of perfectionism and stress , Journal of College Student Retention : Research , Theory and Practice . Available at https :// bit . ly / 3vzlZa5 .
Maben J , Taylor C , Dawson J , Leamy M , McCarthy I , Reynolds E , Ross S , Shuldham C , Bennett L and Foot C ( 2018 ) A realist informed mixed-methods evaluation of Schwartz Center Rounds ® in England . NIHR Journals Library .
Point of Care Foundation ( 2020 ) The Point of Care Foundation Impact Report 2020 . Available at https :// bit . ly / 49uNi2U [ accessed 27 November 2023 ].
Royal College of Occupational Therapists ( 2021 ) RCOT Career Development Framework : Guiding principles for occupational therapy ( 2nd Edition ), London : RCOT . Available at https :// bit . ly / 43Mkylf [ accessed 27 November 2023 ].
Wilcock A ( 1999 ) Reflections on doing , being and becoming . Australian Occupational Therapy Journal , 6 ( 1 ): 1-11 .
Words SARAH HARVEY , Senior Lecturer , ANTHEA TAUYA , LAURA HALEY , ABI PHILPOT , LAUREN HILL , THOMAS SMITH and AMY MAYHEW , occupational therapy apprentices , Canterbury Christ Church University . Contact sarah . harvey2 @ canterbury . ac . uk
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April 2024 OTnews 25