Impact of TeamSTEPPS in Intensive Care Units (ICU-STEPPS)

Abstract

Objective: Positive safety culture is an essential part of successful transformative change of medical care fields. The Agency for Healthcare Quality (AHRQ) has developed TeamSTEPPS to enhance patient safety and communication. The aim of this article was to identify strengths and challenges in implementing and sustaining a good TeamSTEPPS program. Then, AHRQ survey was applied to assess its effectiveness. Setting: The ICUs of Alexandria Main University Hospital (AMUH).
Methods: AHRQ hospital survey was applied before and after implementation process of TeamSTEPPS among 45 ICU residents across all ICUs.
Results: Results showed marked development after implementation of TeamSTEPPS in 3 parameters: feedback and communications about errors, handoffs and transitions and frequency of events reported. Good development in communication openness and no punitive response to error.
Conclusions: Using TeamSTEPPS in ICUs of AMUH was a successful tool for improving whole safety culture, developing it with continuous monitoring.