TeamSTEPPS: Core Principles, Team Types, Communication, and Leadership in Healthcare Teams

What is the core foundational principle of teamwork in TeamSTEPPS?

Teamwork cannot occur in the absence of a clearly defined team

Which team in a Multi-Team System (MTS) has the closest contact with the patient?

Core Team

What is the definition of a Core Team?

Care providers working interdependently to manage assigned patients from assessment to disposition

What is the definition of a Contingency Team?

A time-limited team formed for emergent or specific events

What is the definition of a Coordinating Team?

Work area members responsible for managing the operational environment supporting the Core Team

What type of care do Ancillary Services provide?

Direct, task-specific, time-limited care to patients

What type of services do Support Services provide?

Indirect, service-focused tasks that facilitate optimal healthcare experiences

What are the primary roles of Administration in a Multi-Team System?

Establish vision, develop policies, set staff expectations, support culture change, and hold teams accountable

How should healthcare teams speak when communicating with patients and caregivers?

Speak in lay terms and allow adequate time for questions

What is a Designated Leader?

The person assigned to lead and organize a team, establish goals, and facilitate communication

What is a Situational Leader?

Any team member with the specific skills needed to manage the situation at hand

What is the primary purpose of a team Brief?

Sharing the care plan before care delivery begins

What are the key functions of a team Brief?

Forms the team, designates roles, establishes climate/goals, and engages in planning

What items belong on a Brief checklist?

Who is on team, goal agreement, role clarity, plan of care, provider availability, workload sharing, available resources

What is the primary purpose of a Huddle?

An ad hoc meeting held to regain situation awareness and solve emerging problems

What is the primary purpose of a Debrief?

An informal feedback session after an event or shift to review team performance

What are the four core components of a team Debrief?

Accurate recounting of events, analysis of why events occurred, lessons learned/successes, and a revised plan

How do effective team leaders manage conflict?

Facilitate resolution to prevent compromising patient safety or care quality