What role do 'huddles' serve in TeamSTEPPS?

Huddles play a crucial role in TeamSTEPPS by serving as brief, focused meetings where team members can come together to quickly discuss updates, share critical information, and align their focus for the tasks at hand. This practice enhances communication and teamwork, promoting a shared awareness among team members about goals, changes, and important information that may affect patient care and safety.

In huddles, the emphasis is on rapid information exchange, enabling teams to address immediate concerns and ensure that everyone is on the same page. This strategy fosters collaboration, encourages input from all team members, and helps to mitigate risks by proactively identifying potential issues before they arise. By fostering a culture of open communication and shared understanding, huddles enhance the overall effectiveness of the team and contribute to improved patient outcomes and safety.