Effective Communication Using Huddles

Problem: Information such as process changes and unit metrics found within the HCAHPS scores not being shared consistently to all team members on the post surgical unit was identified as a challenge.

A team of staff nurses worked together to discover a way to communicate. The team goal was to identify: a way to communicate that did not interrupt the workflow of the day, the staff preferred method of communication, and the best time in the work day to communicate along with how much time is required to effectively communication key information.  The team surveyed the staff members and found the preferred method of communication was verbal.  It was also determined that the staff wanted communication to occur during the middle of the shift.

Huddles were scheduled to occur at 1030.  The same information would be included for several days so all staff would hear it.  In addition, the unit clerk would send a text message to staff to remind them of huddle time.

Results: After implementing huddles, staff were surveys.  86% of staff who completed the survey voiced that sharing information had improved.  98% stated they know more about expected trends on the unit (HCAHPS). 50% of staff agree shift huddles at 1030 and 2230 can easily be incorporated into workflow.

Plan for further implementation is to create a binder for those who are off the unit to review upon their return to work.

 Reference

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (n.d.) TeamSTEPPS®: Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety retrieved from http://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/education/curriculum-tools/teamstepps/