Implementation of TeamSTEPPS in the emergency department

Team training and practice is an essential part of emergency department workflow. TeamSTEPPS (Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety) is a teamwork and communication systems model that has the potential to improve patient safety while also addressing aspects of staff satisfaction and morale. This article describes the experience of one emergency department's implementation of TeamSTEPPS, with a focus on methods of training faculty and staff, progression of implementation over a period of time, and evaluation of the process with recommendations for future growth. Background, history, and specific tools used within the department are described, with an emphasis on "briefs," "huddles," and "debriefs" or team "wrap-ups."