Episode 5.4: Patient Safety: How TeamSTEPPS improves Communication

Dr. Charles Murphy discusses how Inova Fairfax is implementing the Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) training program in order to improve communication between all members of the healthcare team. The goal of TeamSTEPPS training is to create Better Teamwork, Better Communication. The key concepts of this training include having a Shared Mental Model, Psychological Safety, Closed Loop Communication, and Mindfulness/ Situation Awareness. He explains how Inova is using technology to enhance training efforts through the two Simulation Centers at Inova. These Simulation Centers have high-fidelity mannequins that allow healthcare providers to participate in a “simulated” scenarios for practice in using the communication strategies without the risk of an adverse outcome impacting a live patient. Tools discussed include CUS, Debriefs, Briefings and Huddles.

Dr. Murphy is the Chief Patient Safety Officer for Inova Heart and Vascular Institute.