No! We have thought about this carefully and followed guidance from the Point of Care Foundation, who have developed their own online version of Schwartz Rounds. While the facilitator(s) and any designated storytellers will have the camera switched on, participants will not. This will ensure that nobody becomes distracted by 30 or so ‘microworlds’ on the screen, and allows everyone to focus carefully on the content of what people are saying, rather than relying on visual cues.

Yes. Reflection Time with MMI is run according to strict principles of confidentiality. Nothing discussed or shared within the session may leave that space. This applies to all participants, designated storytellers, hosts, facilitators or anyone assisting in a technical capacity. All participants will reminded of this at the start and finish of the session.

While we hope that many of you will want to share your thoughts and reflections, it is totally fine if you just want to listen. By being an active and supportive listener, you are still playing a valuable role, and we hope you will still find the session interesting and useful.

We understand that things are difficult right now. For this reason we have tried to ensure that the chosen topics are not overtly distressing in nature. Having said that, it is difficult to predict how the conversation will progress, or the contributions other participants will make. As with any type of reflective practice, it is therefore possible that some of the themes and topics explored could be difficult for some participants. We will make sure that appropriate signposting is given during and after the session.

If you have any concerns, please get in touch with MMI Manager Lisa Quigley on l.quigley@rcvs.org.uk.

That’s ok! While most of us find long periods of silence rather unsettling, these also provide a good chance for us to gather our thoughts or quietly reflect on the topic of discussion. The facilitator can also help to move the discussion on, by sharing their own observations and reflections, or inviting participants to consider things from a slightly different perspective.

Clear ground rules will be explained at the start of the session. We will ask all participants to indicate if they wish to speak, before being ‘unmuted’ and invited to share their thoughts by the facilitator. This will ensure that everybody who wants to be heard has a chance to speak, and that people aren’t talking over each other.

Of course! However we will ask at the beginning of the session that anyone who wants to leave before the session is over sends a quick message to the host, just to indicate that they are ok.