Implementing a rapid response team: factors influencing success.
Rapid response teams (RRTs), or medical emergency teams, focus on preventing a patient crisis by addressing changes in patient status before a cardiopulmonary arrest occurs. Responding to acute changes, RRTs and medical emergency teams are similar to "code" teams. The exception, however is that they step into action before a patient arrests. Although RRTs are acknowledge as an important initiative, implementation can present many challenges. This article reports on the implementation and ongoing use of a RRT at a community health care setting, highlighting important considerations and strategies for success.
Murray
Theresa
T
Community Health Network, 1500 North Ritter Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219, USA. tmurray@ecommunity.com
Kleinpell
Ruth
R
D000465:Algorithms; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000379:methods; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D003663:Decision Trees; D004630:Emergencies; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007196:Indiana; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008824:Michigan; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009096:Multi-Institutional Systems / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D011367:Professional Staff Committees / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation