Identifying teamwork-related needs of the medical emergency team: Nurses' perspectives

Abstract

Background: The role of medical emergency team (MET) in managing deteriorating patients and enhancing patient safety is greatly affected by teamwork.

Aims: To identify teamwork-related needs of the MET from MET nurses' perspectives. To assess the associations between MET nurses' perceptions of teamwork and their work experience and education.

Study design: A quantitative, descriptive correlational design.

Methods: Registered intensive care unit (ICU) nurses (n = 50) who were members of the MET in an acute tertiary care hospital answered a modified version of the team assessment questionnaire in 2017. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the univariate analysis of variance method. The reporting of this study adheres to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies (STROBE) guidelines.

Results: Participants showed least agreement with the items presenting leadership skills (mean = 2.6, SD = 0.68). Approximately 50% nurses disagreed that the MET had adequate resources, training, and skills. The majority of nurses (80%) felt that their responsibilities as a MET member interfered with taking care of their own ICU patients. Many nurses (64%) felt that they did not have a voice in MET's decision-making process. Approximately 50% nurses felt that they were not recognized for their individual contribution, and they were uncertain regarding MET's policies for dealing with conflicts. The amounts of MET nurses' work experience and education were associated with MET skills and function, respectively.

Conclusion: Key teamwork elements of the MET that need improvements include decision-making and conflict resolution skills, valuing team members, and team leadership. Practicing shared mental models, implementing the TeamSTEPPS curricula at hospitals for training ICU nurses, and simulation-based team-training programmes may be beneficial in improving teamwork of MET members.

Relevance to clinical practice: This study revealed key teamwork elements of the MET that need improvements. Our findings may contribute to improve teamwork, thereby optimizing MET function, and enhancing patient outcomes.

Keywords: communication; competence; medical emergency team; non-technical skills; teamwork.