Team Stepps

TeamSTEPPS

TeamSTEPPS is an evidence-based teamwork system aimed at optimizing patient outcomes by improving communication and teamwork skills among health care professionals. It includes a comprehensive set of ready-to-use materials and a training curriculum to successfully integrate teamwork principles into any health care system.

TeamSTEPPS is a teamwork system designed for health care professionals that is: A powerful solution to improving patient safety within your organization. An evidence-based teamwork system to improve communication and teamwork skills among health care professionals. A source for ready-to-use materials and a training curriculum to successfully integrate teamwork principles into all areas of your health care system. Scientifically rooted in more than 20 years of research and lessons from the application of teamwork principles. Developed by Department of Defense's Patient Safety Program in collaboration with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Provides higher quality, safer patient care by: Producing highly effective medical teams that optimize the use of information, people, and resources to achieve the best clinical outcomes for patients. Increasing team awareness and clarifying team roles and responsibilities. Resolving conflicts and improving information sharing. Eliminating barriers to quality and safety.

TeamSTEPPS has a three-phased process aimed at creating and sustaining a culture of safety with: A retraining assessment for site readiness. Training for onsite trainers and health care staff. Implementation and sustainment.

The TeamSTEPPS curriculum is an easy-to-use comprehensive multimedia kit that contains: Fundamentals modules in text and presentation format. A pocket guide that corresponds with the essentials version of the course. Video vignettes to illustrate key concepts. Workshop materials, including a supporting CD and DVD, on change management, coaching, and implementation.

The TeamSTEPPS National Implementation Project will also provide support and guidance for all TeamSTEPPS users, from the beginner through the advanced implementer, through an online user support network. This network will ensure proper implementation of TeamSTEPPS principles by offering channels of communication through Web conferences, a discussion forum, and a Web site. Trainees will also receive continuing education through new tools and measures that are researched, developed, and validated to supplement the curriculum. Collection of evaluation data at the national level will document the impact of the National Implementation of TeamSTEPPS Project.

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