Implementing a rapid response team to decrease emergencies outside the ICU: one hospital's experience.
The literature describes use of a rapid response team (RRT) of critical care nurses and respiratory therapists who arrive at medical-surgical patients' bedsides within minutes of a crisis situation, yet, few articles detail the processes necessary for implementation. The rationale, planning, and evaluation of such an effort at a large, tertiary care hospital in the urban Southwest is described. By describing the development and phased deployment of the RRT, the authors provide key insights into the processes used as well as structures needed and lessons learned.
Hatler
Carol
C
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
Mast
Deanna
D
Bedker
Debbie
D
Johnson
Rachel
R
Corderella
Jeannie
J
Torres
Jorge
J
King
Diane
D
Plueger
Madona
M
D001130:Arizona; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000451:nursing; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012985:Software Design