What is the main goal of cross-monitoring in TeamSTEPPS?

The main goal of cross-monitoring in TeamSTEPPS is to provide a safety net and catch mistakes. This practice involves team members observing each other's work and performance to identify potential errors before they lead to adverse events. By actively monitoring one another, team members can share critical information and feedback, enabling them to intervene when necessary and thereby enhancing overall patient safety.

Cross-monitoring fosters an environment of teamwork and shared responsibility, where every team member plays a role in ensuring quality and safety. This safety net not only protects patients but also helps in building trust among team members, as they know their colleagues are looking out for each other.

While individual accountability is important for team function, the primary intention of cross-monitoring is about collective oversight. Enhancing decision-making speed might be a secondary benefit of effective cross-monitoring, but it doesn’t encapsulate the essence of the practice. Similarly, while improving competitive dynamics can have some positive effects on performance, the focus of cross-monitoring is collaborative rather than competitive.