Implementing TeamSTEPPS in a Long Term Care Facility

Purpose:
The overall goal of this initiative was to implement TeamSTEPPS into a Long Term Care facility to improve patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and teamwork perceptions. The basic constructs of TeamSTEPPS were taught to an interprofessional team with a focus on the tools of mutual support.

Relevance/Significance:
Quality of healthcare can be significantly improved by effective teamwork. This initiative implemented TeamSTEPPS, an evidenced based teamwork approach to improve patient outcomes. This intervention measured both patient outcomes as well as teamwork perceptions of the healthcare team in a Long Term Care facility.

Strategy and Implementation:
An interprofessional team of nurses, administration, STNA's, and therapy participated in this initiative.Participant and patient demographic data were collected to.Participants completed the T-TPQ. Baseline patient quality indicators were measured.Two educational interventions were provided.The first session explained the purpose of TeamSTEPPS and its basic constructs via PowerPoint and handouts. The second session explained mutual support and taught the tools of Task Assistance, the 2 Challenge Rule, and CUS using video vignettes, scenarios, and a pocket guide of these tools.The T-TPQ was again completed by participants at 3 and 6 weeks post implementation. Patient quality indicators were again measured.Baseline patient satisfaction surveys were obtained from patients during the implementation period."Random Acts of Mutual Support" were collected after completion of the 2nd session.These were staff reported examples of how these tools were implemented into their daily practice.

Evaluation:
Patient quality indicators were measured pre and post implementation.The incidence of falls decreased 45% post intervention, while pressure ulcers and medication errors remained stable.Teamwork perceptions were measured pre implementation then at 3 and 6 weeks post implementation using the T-TPQ. Overall, scores were increased post intervention.Baseline patient satisfaction data was collected.

Implications for Practice:
Nurses are an integral part of the health care team. As collaboration and communication improve, nursing satisfaction will increase as they are appreciated for their contribution to the team. Nurses will feel empowered as they recognize the positive impact they have on patient care and outcomes