Page 48 - 2020 Risk Reduction Series Effective Systems_Part 1_Flipbook

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Effective Systems

The huddle helps each team member clarify responsibility and
increases accountability. Before you know it, your care team

will routinely have records prepared, check for needed supplies,
have refills and referrals ready for your signature, and have a

backup plan in place in the event of an unexpected problem,
such as a computer network failure or a hospital emergency.

Keys to Successful Implementation

• Obtain physician buy-in. The goal should be to have the

physician attend the meeting, as his or her support of daily
huddles is critical to their success.

• Settle on a time(s) to meet consistently. Typically, a huddle
occurs at the start of the day but may occur mid-day or

end of clinic as well. Regardless, it is important that the
huddle time becomes part of everyone’s routine and

expectation.

• Limit huddles to six minutes or less. This keeps the

meeting focused and prevents team members from
becoming long-winded and getting off track. Having

everyone stand the entire time will also help accomplish
this goal.

• Conduct the huddle in a central location. Gather in a
hallway, the receptionist area (especially good if you need

the computer), the nurse’s or medical assistant’s area,
or someplace that is convenient with the equipment you

needed to conduct a successful huddle.

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