The TeamSTEPPS® grant project is nearly a year into the two-year project. Looking back at year one there are successes to celebrate. The project team has presented regional trainings in Dodge City and Lenexa. They provided on-site training at Cedar Village in Ness City and Park View Care Center in Osborne and continue to coach as these organizations work to implement TeamSTEPPS®. To date 87 individuals have been trained as Master Trainers. Those Master Trainers have the skills and resources to train others in their organization. The impact of this could be over 1,500 caregivers with knowledge of
TeamSTEPPS®.
The training numbers are exciting but only tell part of the story. While It is too early in the process to have qualitative outcomes data, anecdotal evidence suggests the homes in the pilot and the grant project believe the tools are improving teamwork, communication and quality. They have reported less conflict among team members and the ability for team members to handle conflict positively on their own using the tools. One DON reported these changes have given her more time to focus on the other parts of her job.
From the project team’s perspective there have many great training moments but a moment from a recent training really highlights the power of the tools. During the training a CNA brought up a scenario where a resident had a very poor outcome. He shared that he had concerns about what was happening but hadn’t felt comfortable sharing his observations and concerns and didn’t think anyone would listen if he did. As he shared the story, his feelings of helplessness and regret were evident. One of the trainers used this as an opportunity to teach the CUS tool from TeamSTEPPS®. She had him walk through the steps of the tool. He said in a very uncertain and quiet voice, “I am concerned about Ron (resident name has been changed), the rapid changes in his condition are making me uncomfortable and this is a safety issue.” He shared that he felt having these words would have helped him say something in the moment and that he thinks they would have made the others on the team listen. A negative outcome could have potentially avoided, and a staff member empowered using this simple to teach and simple to use tool.
The project team looks forward to continued work with the homes already in the project and the training opportunities to come in 2020. The group is passionate about TeamSTEPPS® and would love to answer any questions you might have about the grant or the TeamSTEPPS® tools and strategies. There are still opportunities for your team to be part of the project. The final regional training will take place May 7 & 8, 2019 in Hesston. A team of up to five can be registered for $50 by visiting www.leadingagekansas.org/teamstepps.
