Team STEPPS: The Next Step

Abstract submission to AWHONN by Beth Zabielski, RNC, BS
MED TEAM: THE NEXT STEP
Recent healthcare initiatives illustrate the importance of communication for patient safety. 
In the summer of 2006 an interdisciplinary team of nurses and physicians from Baystate Medical Center LDRP underwent a two day training in the Team STEPPS (Stategies & Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety) program.   During the Fall of 2006 the group met to develop at training program for our unit [ a 38 bed single room maternity floor, 10 bed evaluation unit and a 18 room post op c-section/stable high risk floor]
In January 2007 we initiated the “TEAM TRAINING” encouraging all our staff (nurses, physicians—staff and community—residents and all support staff)
The next step was inclusion of nightly “Working Rounds”.  The rounds are brief lasting on 10-15 minutes. We utilize the central station of our electronic medical record E & C.   It provides an opportunity for Nursing, OB and Anesthesia to have an overview of the entire unit.  Rounds are attended by the Nursing triage coordinator, the house OB attending and 4^th year resident and the attending Anesthesiologist and resident.  Community Obstetricians are also welcome to attend.
The purpose of the rounds is to identify:
Acuity of the units
Areas of concern
Critical patients
Staff resources
Specific patient needs
Therefore helping to provide safe care to all our patients.