Competency expectations of nurses in rapid response teams: an interview-based qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Education
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Rapid response teams (RRTs) provide early intervention for deteriorating patients outside the ICU.
• RRTs are proven to reduce cardiac arrest and mortality.
• Nurses are vital members of RRTs, significantly impacting their success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore non-nurse RRT members' perceptions of essential nurse competencies.
• To identify key attributes required for effective nursing performance within RRTs.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative phenomenological research.
• Semi-structured interviews with 16 non-nurse RRT members (doctors, anesthesiologists, respiratory therapists).
• Colaizzi content analysis for data interpretation.

Main Results:

• Non-nurses identified three critical themes for RRT nurses: professional theoretical knowledge, professional practical skills, and personality traits.
• Theoretical knowledge encompasses basic medical principles and RRT system understanding.
• Practical skills include rapid assessment, first aid, and communication; personality traits involve composure and teamwork.

Conclusions:

• Non-nurse RRT members expect nurses to have robust theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and desirable personality qualities.
• Nursing managers should prioritize training in these areas to optimize RRT effectiveness.
• Improving nurse competency in RRTs directly enhances patient safety and RRT operational success.