Which scenario illustrates the application of TeamSTEPPS in a healthcare setting?

The scenario of coordinating a surgical team’s efforts during an operation effectively illustrates the application of TeamSTEPPS in a healthcare setting. TeamSTEPPS focuses on enhancing team performance and patient safety through improved communication, teamwork, and collaboration among healthcare professionals. In a surgical environment, the coordination of the surgical team is critical for ensuring patient safety and achieving successful outcomes. Each member of the team, including surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other support staff, must communicate clearly and work cohesively to manage the complexities of the procedure.

During surgery, TeamSTEPPS principles such as mutual support, situation monitoring, and clear communication protocols come into play. For example, utilizing tools like briefs, huddles, and debriefs allows the team to establish shared mental models, clarify roles, and address any concerns in real time, leading to an effective and safe surgical process.

In contrast, the other scenarios—individual therapy sessions, implementing an electronic health record system, and providing patient education materials—do not primarily emphasize team dynamics in the same way. While teamwork can be relevant in those contexts, they do not inherently showcase the core principles of TeamSTEPPS as directly as the coordination of a surgical team does.