Page 54 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part One

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication

Huddles

A brief, daily meeting between team members, also known as
a huddle, has been advocated by the Institute for Healthcare

Improvement as a tool to enhance communication, teamwork,
efficiency, and patient safety. Huddles go a long way in
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developing a team with the unified goal of serving patients
both safely and efficiently. They likewise provide an opportunity

for the front-line and clinical staff to get on the same page
without waiting for more formal and infrequent staff meetings.

Additionally, they can increase efficiency leading to a more
manageable schedule.

The Basics of the Huddle

Establishing the practice of team huddles can be accomplished

in three quick steps:

Review

Taking a few minutes to review the schedule for special care

needs and situations, staffing concerns, work-in slots, etc. will
set the stage for the huddle preparation and execution.

Prepare

It takes very little time to prepare for each patient, verifying

the equipment and supplies are available, and ensuring test
results and follow-up notes are in the record before the patient

arrives. Time spent preparing for each patient’s visit will cut
down on wasted time and frustration from both your staff and

your patients. Keep in mind that preparing for the patient also

14 www.ihi.org/resources/Pages/Tools/Huddles.aspx

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