J Nurs Care Qual. 2023 Apr-Jun 01;38(2):134-140. doi: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000669. Epub 2022 Oct 12.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Rapid response teams (RRTs) are designed to improve patient care during deterioration in clinical condition.
LOCAL PROBLEM: Patients' desired limitations of medical therapy (LOMTs) were not documented or communicated to the RRT, and patients received care not aligned with their wishes.
METHODS: A multidisciplinary team developed a process for improving documentation, communication of LOMTs, and care delivery on 3 medical cardiology units. The team implemented 3 Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles over 6 months.
INTERVENTIONS: In cycle 1, team members taught the unit nurses, RRT members, and physicians to share LOMTs during handoff communications. Cycle 2 engaged case managers in LOMT documentation. In cycle 3, unit-based RRT simulation was conducted.
RESULTS: All care delivered by the RRT aligned with the documented LOMTs. Documentation of LOMTs increased from 76% to 82.5% ( P = .014).
CONCLUSIONS: Education, scripting, and simulation were successful strategies to ensure that care given during RRT events aligned with patients' wishes.
PMID:36240517 | DOI:10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000669