Conceptualizing a Quantitative Measurement Suite to Evaluate Healthcare Teams

Abstract

Background Current team assessment instruments in healthcare tend to involve rater-based evaluations that are susceptible to well-known biases. Recent advances in technology include portable devices to measure team-based activities. Consequently, the possibility exists to move away from rater-based assessments of team function by identifying quantitative measures to replace them. Aim This article aims to provide potential approaches to developing quantitative measurement suites involving large amounts of data to address the challenges of assessment presented by the complex nature of teamwork. Conclusion By addressing construct, measurement, and context components, we provide a practical approach to developing a suite to capture quantitative measurements that, through incorporation of social network analysis and aggregated other values, aligns with the Team Strategies & Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient SafetyTM (TeamSTEPPSTM) dimensions for fostering teamwork.