Rapid Response Team-Quality Champion Registered Nurse: Observations and Perceptions.

BACKGROUND: Operationalization of the rapid response team (RRT) and its quality champion (QC) nurses at a community hospital is unique and provides benefits not entirely captured by analysis of mortality data.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to determine the perceived benefits of the RRT at the facility and behaviors and activities observed during actual RRT responses. Also examined was the timeliness of the RRT calls.

METHODS: This was a mixed-method study including qualitative (interviews, focus groups, and surveys) and quantitative (retrospective chart reviews) data collection.

RESULTS: Themes included teaching/education, foster development of critical thinking skills, expertise/resource, communication/facilitation/go-between, safety net/security, validation, and advocate/foster collaboration. RRT calls were made quickly after clinical deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS: Benefits of the RRT-QC registered nurse were extensive. Observations showed support, education, and teamwork in an effort to improve outcomes and support clinicians.