In the context of TeamSTEPPS, what does 'assertive communication' entail?

Assertive communication is a vital component of TeamSTEPPS, as it fosters an environment where team members feel empowered to express their concerns or needs clearly and directly. This form of communication emphasizes clarity and respect, allowing for effective dialogue among team members. By clearly articulating concerns or needs without resorting to aggression or passivity, assertive communication helps to mitigate misunderstandings and promotes a culture of safety and collaboration within healthcare teams.

In contrast, options that involve ignoring team member concerns, employing non-verbal cues exclusively, or expressing needs only when prompted do not align with the principles of assertive communication. Ignoring concerns undermines teamwork and can compromise patient safety. Solely relying on non-verbal cues may lead to misinterpretation and does not guarantee that the message is received as intended. Expressing needs only when prompted can limit open communication and may prevent timely resolution of issues that could impact patient outcomes. Therefore, the essence of assertive communication is encapsulated in the clear and confident expression of needs and concerns, which is essential for effective teamwork in a healthcare setting.