Team Training in Healthcare: An AHRQ sponsored Narrative Synthesis of the Literature
Excellent Open Access article on Team Training in Healthcare in the BMJ Quality and Safety Journal
We have all been in a poorly run code where team work break down resulting in total chaos. Teamwork matters. Team training matters. Given the chaos and typically undifferentiated presentations of critical illness, no where is teamwork more important than in the Emergency Department.
This review of the literature reviews several not so surprising facts regarding teamwork:
- When surgical teams exhibit less teamwork, the OR for complications and death increases to 4.8.
- Communication issues contribute to 24% of malpractice claims
- Teamwork and communication issues are cited as the root cause in a staggering 52-70% of adverse events.
The review continues on in great detail reviewing the literature. A must read for anyone who trains teams of healthcare providers.
A key message that we all can bring back to our next shift is the importance of the three C's: Cooperation. Communication. Collaboration. Especially as we move into the challenging July and August transition months, teamwork becomes even more paramount, as providers adjust to new roles and responsibilities. Try beginning your next shift with team introductions and initial role assignments. Stress the importance of communication - asking questions facilitates learning but also may identify system errors in patient care. This initial cooperation established by a friendly hello, continuing with open communication, results in collaborative patient care and the best possible patient outcomes.
We have all been in a poorly run code where team work break down resulting in total chaos. Teamwork matters. Team training matters. Given the chaos and typically undifferentiated presentations of critical illness, no where is teamwork more important than in the Emergency Department.
This review of the literature reviews several not so surprising facts regarding teamwork:
- When surgical teams exhibit less teamwork, the OR for complications and death increases to 4.8.
- Communication issues contribute to 24% of malpractice claims
- Teamwork and communication issues are cited as the root cause in a staggering 52-70% of adverse events.
The review continues on in great detail reviewing the literature. A must read for anyone who trains teams of healthcare providers.
A key message that we all can bring back to our next shift is the importance of the three C's: Cooperation. Communication. Collaboration. Especially as we move into the challenging July and August transition months, teamwork becomes even more paramount, as providers adjust to new roles and responsibilities. Try beginning your next shift with team introductions and initial role assignments. Stress the importance of communication - asking questions facilitates learning but also may identify system errors in patient care. This initial cooperation established by a friendly hello, continuing with open communication, results in collaborative patient care and the best possible patient outcomes.
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