How does TeamSTEPPS recommend managing interruptions during tasks?

TeamSTEPPS emphasizes the importance of structured communication tools to manage interruptions effectively during tasks. Structured communication helps in minimizing distractions, ensuring that essential messages are conveyed clearly and efficiently without compromising patient safety or team performance. By utilizing these tools, such as check-backs, call-outs, and handoff protocols, teams can create a systematic approach to communicate crucial information and manage the flow of tasks, maintaining focus and reducing the impact of interruptions.

This approach is beneficial because it fosters clarity and reduces the potential for errors that can arise from misunderstandings during interruptions. Rather than simply ignoring distractions, which can lead to significant risks, or relying on a designated team member to resolve every interruption, structured communication provides a proactive method for teams to maintain situational awareness and safety. Additionally, while scheduling breaks can help in managing overall workload and stress, it doesn't directly address how to handle interruptions as they occur.