The power of 5 questions

Some days it’s hard to leave work behind when you close the practice door. Five simple questions can help teams put even the most unforgettable shifts to bed, and get in the best shape to deliver excellent care.

On a recent busy Sunday shift, having stayed late, we took five minutes to catch up with the team members ending the shift and the members just starting theirs. The shift had been a difficult one, but taking a moment to reflect allowed us to learn and potentially change future shifts, to benefit not only our patients but also our team. I left the shift feeling much more positive about our achievements and more bonded as a team.”

Rachael Bacon RVN

What this article covers

The fourth article in this series introduces the Rolling Take 5, a key tool for psychological safety as described in the Joy in Work framework. It explains how a simple, quick and free routine process to check in with your team can make a tangible difference to wellbeing and performance. The article covers:

• The proven wellbeing and practice benefits of discussing difficult experiences.
• The proven safety benefits of checking in with team members at the start of a shift.
• Use of the Going Home Checklist in human healthcare.
• Understanding of the Rolling Take 5.

Article reference

McCall, J. and RCVS Knowledge (2023) The power of five questions. Vet Times, 53 (13), pp. 8-9. Available from: https://www.vettimes.com/news/vets/wellbeing-at-work/the-power-of-five-questions