# TeamSTEPPS --- **TeamSTEPPS** stands for "Team Strategies to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety", which is a longwinded phrase for describing a series of tools and behaviors for escalating safety concerns in a healthcare environment. Taking care of patients in a hospital, for instance, involves many moving parts , and different teams (including [[nursing]]) from all over the hospital have to work together. Part of TeamSTEPPS involves having tools for communication, but also emphasizes leadership qualities, and empowers every member of the team to voice concerns and be heard, without fear of [[just culture|retaliation]] ## Communication Poor [[communication]] has been identified as a key reason for many safety errors, so TeamSTEPPS was born. ### SBAR **SBAR** stands for **S**ituation **B**ackground **A**ssessment and **R**ecommendation. It is useful when making a request (such as during a phone call between an RN and MD), and let's you get all the pertinent information in under 10 seconds. Originally used in the military for giving reports. It gives all the pertinent information, and a no-bones recommendation or requisition. "*Here's* what's happening. Here are the important bits of *context*. I think *this* is why it's happening. This is what I think we should do about it." ### I PASS the BATON **I PASS the BATON** stands for **I**ntroduction **P**atient **A**ssessment **S**ituation **S**afety (the) **B**ackground **A**ctions **T**iming **O**wnership **N**ext #### DESC Script A constructive approach for **managing and resolving conflict**. _**D**_—Describe the specific situation or behavior; provide concrete data. _**E**_—Express how the situation makes you feel/what your concerns are. _**S**_—Suggest other alternatives and seek agreement. _**C**_—Consequences should be stated in terms of impact on established team goals; strive for consensus. ___