Describe 'mutual support' in the context of TeamSTEPPS.

Mutual support is a key component of TeamSTEPPS that emphasizes collaboration and teamwork among members to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. This concept involves team members actively helping one another, sharing responsibilities, and providing assistance during challenging situations to ensure that all aspects of patient care are attended to effectively.

When mutual support is practiced, team members are encouraged to communicate openly, recognize when a colleague may be overwhelmed, and step in to provide help or encouragement. This collaborative environment not only enhances the efficiency of the team but also improves the overall quality of care provided to patients, as it fosters an atmosphere of shared responsibility and interdependence.

In contrast to the other options, the idea of team members competing to assist each other would undermine collaboration, and focusing solely on assigned tasks would hinder the ability to support one another in a dynamic healthcare setting. Regular assessment of performance can be beneficial, but it is not the same as the immediate and dynamic process of supporting each other in real-time to enhance team function and patient safety.