Presence Team Presents DREAM Guideline Workshop at the 43rd Priorities in Perinatal Care Conference in South Africa

We are proud to share that the Presence Team recently facilitated a dynamic and meaningful workshop at the 43rd Priorities in Perinatal Care conference in South Africa.

Our workshop introduced the DREAM guideline—an innovative approach to enhancing presence and compassionate collaboration within healthcare teams.

About the DREAM Guideline

The DREAM guideline stands for:

• Dedication: “Doing the best you can”

• Respect through Relationship: “Good care is about perspective, connecting and attuning”

• Environment: “Supporting good care through relational management”

• Art of Healthcare, Attitude & Advocacy: “Understanding is where change can start”

• Motivation: “Good care requires readiness”

This holistic guideline is designed to support healthcare professionals, including midwives, gynaecological and obstetric practitioners—in deepening their practice of presence. At its core, the DREAM guideline promotes shared values, respectful communication, and collaborative synergy among multidisciplinary teams to foster improved patient outcomes.

Why Presence Matters

In today’s complex healthcare settings, the ability to connect meaningfully with colleagues and patients is more important than ever. Presence is not only about being physically available—it is about truly showing up for others with attentiveness, empathy, and professional integrity. By cultivating presence, teams can strengthen trust, resilience, and compassionate care.

Workshop Aim and Approach

Our workshop aimed to enhance the practice of presence among healthcare professionals in their everyday environments. Through an engaging and reflective garden exercise, participants were invited to share how they perceive their current working environment—exploring what energises them and what drains them in their professional context. This interactive activity fostered authentic dialogue, encouraged shared insights, and created space for meaningful reflection on team dynamics and workplace culture.

Outcomes and Impact

Participants from diverse disciplines contributed rich perspectives that were analysed and synthesised into actionable strategies. These strategies will support and strengthen team cohesion, relational resilience, and a more positive working environment. Ultimately, the implementation of these practices is expected to lead to better collaboration and improved patient care across healthcare settings.

We extend our gratitude to the organisers of the 43^rd Priorities in Perinatal Care conference for the opportunity to contribute to this vital platform. Together, through presence and the DREAM guideline, we move toward more connected, compassionate, and collaborative healthcare.