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Updated: May 20, 2026
09:52
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Published on: January 15, 2017
Observed and self-perceived teamwork in a rapid response team.
Pattie Beebe1, Karen Bawel-Brinkley, Colleen O'Leary-Kelley
1Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California 95128, USA. patricia.beebe@hhs.sccgov.org
Summary
Effective teamwork and communication among healthcare professionals are crucial for patient safety. This study assessed rapid response team (RRT) collaboration to inform communication training development.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Safety Research
- Team Dynamics in Medicine
Background:
- Effective teamwork and communication are essential for patient safety in healthcare settings.
- Rapid response teams (RRTs) play a critical role in managing critical events.
- Understanding teamwork dynamics within RRTs is vital for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the level of teamwork among members of the rapid response team (RRT).
- To gather data for designing targeted teamwork and communication training for RRT members.
- To enhance patient safety through improved RRT collaboration.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study design was employed.
- Data collection involved live observation of RRT events.
- RRT team members provided ratings of teamwork during actual events.
Main Results:
- The study measured specific aspects of teamwork within RRTs.
- Live observations provided objective data on team interactions.
- Subjective ratings from team members offered insights into perceived teamwork quality.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide a baseline understanding of RRT teamwork.
- Data gathered will inform the development of effective communication training programs.
- Improving RRT teamwork is expected to contribute to enhanced patient safety.
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