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Organizational Perspectives on Rapid Response Team Structure, Function, and Cost: A Qualitative Study
Patricia L Smith1, Jean McSweeney
1Patricia L. Smith, PhD, RN, CCRN, is an assistant professor at the Carr College of Nursing, Harding University, in Searcy, Arkansas, where she teaches in the undergraduate nursing program. She received her doctoral from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. As a critical care nurse for many years, Dr Smith is passionate about improving patient safety through education and research. Jean McSweeney, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, is an associate dean for research and professor at the College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock. Dr McSweeney conducted groundbreaking research on women's cardiovascular disease. She has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career and is dedicated to developing and promoting nurse researchers.
Hospitals develop rapid response teams (RRTs) based on various factors influencing their structure and function. Understanding these elements and cost implications is crucial for optimizing patient safety and resource allocation.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Nursing Leadership
- Organizational Development
Background:
- Effective rapid response teams (RRTs) are essential for patient safety.
- Understanding the organizational factors influencing RRT structure and function is key.
- Evaluating the cost implications of RRTs is vital for resource management.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify factors influencing the organizational development of RRT structure and function.
- Describe the methods used for evaluating RRT costs.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative, ethnographic design involving interviews with nurse executives and experts.
- 15 moderate-size hospitals participated.
- Content analysis and constant comparison of interview data were employed.
Main Results:
- 27 participants from 15 hospitals were interviewed.
- RRT structures varied, with critical care charge nurses or designated RRT nurses as common responders.
- Key themes included influencers, decision processes, and cost considerations in RRT development.
Conclusions:
- Optimal RRT structure and function are important for supporting quality nursing care.
- Assessing RRT cost-benefit impact is vital for balancing patient safety and resources.
- Future research should explore RRT structure-function outcome differences and cost-estimation methods.
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