Changing Team Member Perceptions by Implementing TeamSTEPPS in an Emergency Department.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Clinical Operations

Background:

• Effective teamwork and communication are critical in emergency departments (EDs) for patient safety, satisfaction, and reducing errors.
• Staff perceptions of teamwork and communication directly impact the quality and efficiency of patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of TeamSTEPPS training on teamwork and communication perceptions within an ED setting.
• To assess the effectiveness of a quality improvement project focused on enhancing interprofessional collaboration.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement project involving 57 ED staff members (nurses, mid-level providers, non-licensed staff).
• Implementation of the TeamSTEPPS training program for all participants.
• Pre- and post-training assessments using Team STEPPS Teamwork Perceptions and Attitudes Questionnaires and The Nursing Culture Assessment Tool (NCAT) at baseline, 2 weeks, and 1 month for 46 participants.

Main Results:

• Formal TeamSTEPPS training led to significant improvements in ED team members' perceptions and attitudes regarding communication.
• The training positively influenced staff perceptions of teamwork within the emergency department.
• Post-training assessments indicated enhanced collaborative dynamics and communication effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• TeamSTEPPS training resulted in improved staff-perceived teamwork and communication in the emergency department.
• Sustaining these improvements requires integrating TeamSTEPPS principles into departmental policies and culture.
• The study supports the adoption and continued use of TeamSTEPPS to foster a culture of collaboration and safety.