Implementing TeamSTEPPS to Facilitate Workplace Civility and Nurse Retention

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Effective teamwork is crucial for healthcare quality, potentially reducing workplace incivility and enhancing nurse retention.
• Previous research suggests a link between teamwork and positive outcomes in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) program implementation in an intensive care unit.
• To assess changes in teamwork, nurse retention, and workplace incivility following the intervention.

Main Methods:

• An evaluation was conducted in an intensive care unit setting.
• Data on teamwork, nurse retention intentions, and incivility were collected before and after the TeamSTEPPS implementation.
• Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of observed changes.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant improvement in teamwork was observed from the initial assessment to the 3-month follow-up (U = 650, p = .001).
• The percentage of nurses intending to remain in their positions increased substantially from 58% in 2016 to 89% in 2018.
• No significant change in the level of incivility was detected during the study period.

Conclusions:

• TeamSTEPPS implementation positively impacted teamwork and nurse retention in the intensive care unit.
• While incivility did not change, the study offers practical strategies and lessons learned for healthcare organizations.
• Further research may explore sustained effects and targeted interventions for incivility.