Question

If your organization has implemented TeamSTEPPS, describe ways in which it improved communication and teamwork skills

Answer 1

Team STEPPS (Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance performance and Patient Safety) aims at optimizing patient outcomes by improving team skills as well as communication skills among health care professionals,as it is an evidence based tool.it is mainly based on 4 main competencies communication,leadership,situation monitoring and mutual support.It helps to create a culture of safety and improve quality and clinical performance.it also enhances patient safety.It has three main phases ,therefore the hospital should have the readiness,a plan for training and implementation as well as develop a sustainment plan.Effective communication is important for patient safety. and enables team members to effectively relay information.It is the lifeline of the team.STEPPS looks for brief ,clear and timely communication.Some of the strategies it takes for effective communication are (SBAR) Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation,Call out,Check-Back ,Handoffs. SBAR provides a standardizd framework for members ofthe health care team to communicate about a patients condition. suddenly a patients condition deteriorates resulting in a call to the physician and he was immediately made aware of the situationn and i provided the background of the diagnosis and all current labs.The recent assessment made me to call the physician as i was concerned with the condition of the patient and additional labs were recommended and created a plan for future care. Communication skills has a direct effect on leadership.situation monitoring,and mutual support.Good communication helps in the development of shared models,adaptability ,mutual trust and patient safety.