Schwartz Rounds are structured, facilitated forums that focus on the emotional and relational dimensions of practice. Rather than centring on case management, problem-solving, or clinical outcomes, these sessions create space for practitioners to come together and reflect on the moments that stay with them, the complexity, the uncertainty, and the meaning within the work.

Each session centres around a small panel of “storytellers” sharing practice experiences. This is followed by a facilitated group reflection, where participants are invited to notice what resonates, what feels familiar, and what it means to be doing this work alongside others. The focus is on listening, reflection, participation in sharing your own practice experiences, and connection.

Examples of a Schwartz Round can be seen here:

A Schwartz Centre Round at St Joseph’s Hospice

Caring for the Caregiver: The Schwartz Rounds Program

• Research on Schwartz Rounds show the impact on individual attendees
• Reduced psychological distress by 50% compared to non-attendees
• Reduced moral distress reported by 50% of physicians and 35.5% of nurses
• Increased confidence in handling sensitive issues and work stress
• Decreased isolation and stress, and increased feelings of support and connectedness
• Renewed commitment and passion for work, and an increased sense of growth and pride
• Reduced mental health stigma because the Schwartz Rounds are seen as a safe way to share the emotional impact of work compared to traditional alternatives

Schwartz-Rounds-Research-Summary-and-Chart-2024.pdf

The AASW is piloting Schwartz Rounds in recognition of the increasing stress, pressure, and complexity many social workers are experiencing in their professional roles. Schwartz Rounds provide a dedicated space for reflection, connection, and shared understanding, helping members feel supported in the emotional and relational aspects of their work.

This pilot will also help the AASW better understand how initiatives like Schwartz Rounds can support social workers’ wellbeing, professional connection, and long-term sustainability in practice.

Participation is invited through an expression of interest. Members will be asked to nominate two dates that they are available for. We will endeavour to allocate you to your preferred session where possible.

No. Schwartz Rounds is a social work wellbeing initiative being offered by the AASW to help prevent burnout and grow compassion in healthcare. Growing compassion can refer to growing compassion for self, for colleagues, for clients and their families and for stakeholders.

No, participation in AASW Schwartz Rounds is free for AASW Members.

The AASW will be conducting research over the next six months to assess the efficacy and value of Schwartz Rounds for social workers.

Yes, social workers who participate in Schwartz Rounds will be asked to sign a consent form to participate in the Schwartz Rounds research that will inform the AASW as to whether Schwartz Rounds can/will be offered on an ongoing basis.

Professor Donna McAulliffe, Griffith University is the Principal Researcher in the AASW Schwartz Rounds research project. She has been asked to conduct this research based on her knowledge and skills around Schwartz Rounds and Schwartz Rounds research.

The Schwartz Centre for Compassionate Healthcare provides training and support for Schwartz Rounds facilitators. Georgia Hunt and Claire Walsh are senior social workers who are trained and qualified to facilitate Schwartz Rounds. They have a combined seven years of experience in facilitating Schwartz Rounds in public health and community mental health settings and they are members of The Schwartz Centre for Compassionate Healthcare – see About Us: The Schwartz Centre for Compassionate Healthcare

No, the Schwartz Round facilitators will be facilitating Schwartz Rounds for social workers on a pro bono basis for the duration of the six-month pilot.

Social workers in rural and remote communities often experience unique professional and personal challenges, including professional isolation, limited access to peer support and supervision, workforce shortages, and the need to manage complex situations with fewer resources available.

By offering two Schwartz Rounds specifically for rural and remote members, the AASW aims to create a dedicated reflective space where participants can connect with others who may share similar experiences and understand the realities of working in these contexts. These sessions recognise the importance of supporting the wellbeing, connection, and sustainability of the rural and remote social work workforce.