Time for SerendipiTEA: a randomised coffee trial Between Mercy University Hospital and St. Michael’s Unit

Breen, Paul; Cotter, Liis

Time for SerendipiTEA: a randomised coffee trial Between Mercy University Hospital and St. Michael’s Unit

Files

Paul Breen CORA Submission Time for SerendipiTEA Poster.pdf(291.22 KB)

Published Version

Date

2025-06-25

Authors

Breen, Paul

Cotter, Liis

Abstract

In March 2025, after learning about the success of randomised coffee trials in the UK’s National Health Service, Mercy University Hospital and Adult Mental Health Services librarians in Cork identified an opportunity to foster greater communication and collaboration between their respective user communities. A randomised coffee trial is an informal networking initiative where participants are randomly paired to meet, often over tea or coffee, for a relaxed conversation. The aim is to encourage connections between colleagues who might not otherwise interact, fostering knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and a stronger sense of community. In the NHS and other organisations, these informal initiatives have been shown to break down silos, build relationships, improve communication, and encourage the sharing of knowledge and ideas across professional boundaries. Inspired by these potential outcomes, MUH and AMHS, Cork librarians decided to run a randomised coffee trial, called Time for SerendipiTEA, for staff from MUH and St. Michael’s unit. The initiative received engagement from staff members across various departments and levels in both organisations. All those who provided feedback reported that the experience was positive and rewarding.

Keywords

Medical libraries , Randomised Coffee Trial , Staff engagement , Healthcare collaboration , Workplace wellbeing , Interdepartmental networking , Team communication , Knowledge sharing , Professional development , Organisational culture

Citation

Breen, P. and Cotter, L. (2025) 'Time for SerendipiTEA: a randomised coffee trial Between Mercy University Hospital and St. Michael’s Unit', Mercy University Hospital Clinical Audit & Quality Improvement Day, Cork, Ireland, 26 June.