Medical emergency team response processes for behavioral health inpatient units: implications for nursing education

Following a literature review of nurses' attitudes and perceived barriers regarding the utilization of medical emergency teams (METs) and completing key informant interviews with psychiatric nurses, a questionnaire developed by the researcher was administered to inpatient psychiatric nurses to further examine their attitudes and perceived barriers about MET utilization. Using a 23-item questionnaire, the psychiatric nurses were asked to rate each item using a 5-point Likert scale. Results indicated that nurses did not have a clear understanding of the criteria for calling a MET and also tended to seek out other staff personnel and/or a physician consultation prior to initiating a MET call. Results of this descriptive, quality improvement project were then used to revise and refine nursing education and practice regarding MET utilization.