EVENTS
Webinars
View a list of webinars on our Upcoming training dates page
Reflection Time with MMI
Sessions and themes:
Kindness: Tuesday 19 May, 7.30pm-8.30pm
Everyday Leadership: Tuesday 26 May, 7.30pm-8.30pm
Support From my Team: Tuesday 2 June, 7.30pm-8.30pm
Reflection Time with MMI is an online, safe, facilitated space for members of the veterinary community to come together and share stories and reflections on broad themes related to the emotional aspect of their work.
These sessions are aligned with the principles of Schwartz Rounds, and in particular their online Team Time sessions, which were developed in response to the Covid-19 crisis, as an alternative to face-to-face reflection.
FAQs
We understand that, for some, online reflection may be a new experience and you may have some questions about how the session will be run. We’ve tried to anticipate some common questions below, but if you have any specific concerns or questions that are not covered here, please contact Lisa Quigley, MMI Manager, on l.quigley@rcvs.org.uk
Will I have to be on camera?
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.
Are sessions confidential?
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.
Do I have to speak? Is it ok if I just want to listen?
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.
I’m finding things tough at the moment. Will this be upsetting?
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.
What if there’s an awkward silence?
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.
How will you keep things under control, with so many people logged on at once?
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.
Can I leave the session before the end?
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.