Overcoming Barriers Impeding Nurse Activation of Rapid Response Teams

Abstract

Management of rapid patient deterioration requires prompt recognition and swift response by bedside nurses and specially trained personnel, who successfully intervene to improve patient outcomes. Timely recognition and activation of rapid response mechanisms requires prudent nursing care. When patient needs and nurse competencies are unbalanced, patient outcomes decline and nurse confidence diminishes. This article offers a brief background of rapid response, including the supporting theoretical framework. Also discussed are barriers to nursing action that result in synergistic imbalance, including: bedside nurse competence to recognize patient deterioration and activate rapid response systems; bedside nurse clinical judgment, interdisciplinary teamwork; and organizational culture. The article includes implications for practice aims to address identified barriers and improve patient outcomes.

The impact of virtual simulation on the recognition and response to the rapidly deteriorating patient among undergraduate nursing students

“…Failure to recognize early signs and symptoms and initiate timely clinical interventions results in poor patient outcomes and this failure has been attributed to registered nurses" (RN) lack of knowledge and confidence (Lee et al, 2019). However, it has also been suggested that Registered Nurses (RN) do have relevant knowledge, but fail to respond appropriately to patient deterioration because they are not able to recognize and act upon abnormal vital signs (Butler, 2018;Clayton, 2019;Duff et al, 2020;Sterner et al, 2020).…”

Exploring decision making ‘noise’ when interpreting the electrocardiogram in the context of cardiac cath lab activation

“…A multidisciplinary team is involved in the decision making that takes place during the PPCI pathway, including the nurse activator who plays a vital role in the activation of the pathway. Interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration have been previously discussed as key factors involved in the decision making ability of nurse activators (Clayton, 2019). Personalities of each team member may play a role in the decision making and relationships between these personalities could perhaps influence decisions.…”