Bedside Matters, a new hourlong, monthly rounds geared toward helping all Vanderbilt University Medical Center health care providers deal with the social and emotional issues of caring for patients and families, will begin this month.
The brownbag lunch event will take place on the third Wednesday of each month in 214 Light Hall from noon to 1 p.m. The first meeting of the group will be Wednesday, Sept. 18.
For several years Vanderbilt has been holding Schwartz Center Rounds within the Oncology Center, but recently the decision was made to expand the benefits of this activity, which is for caregivers to have an open and honest dialogue about the social and emotional issues they face in caring for patients and their families throughout the Medical center.
“In contrast to the traditional rounds, we plan to extend the focus to the human dimensions of medicine,” said Walter Merrill, M.D., professor of Cardiac Surgery and chief of staff, Vanderbilt University Hospital. “Those who provide care will have the opportunity to share not only their experiences but also their feelings about some of the difficulties they face every day.”
Pam Jones, MSN, R.N., chief nursing officer and associate hospital director of VUH, said Bedside Matters will offer the opportunity for caregivers to support one another.
“Our nurses, physicians and other professionals are actively engaged with supporting patients and families through major life transitions and at times, tragedies. Although the close personal connection that we share with patients and families is a privilege, the experience results in profound feeling for caring professionals. These rounds provide a rich opportunity to support one another.”
CME credits will be offered and CEU credits will begin with the Oct. 16 meeting. Other dates for the rest of the calendar year are Nov. 20 and Dec. 18.
