Improving Communication and Job Satisfaction: Utilizing Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) for Interventional Service Areas

Abstract

Purpose: Improved communication and job satisfaction among staff are essential for those working in high-stress critical care environments like the cardiac catheterization laboratory (Cath Lab). The purpose of this investigation was to utilize the quality improvement initiative Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) to improve attitudes and job satisfaction in the Cath Lab. Method: A total of 30 subjects participated in a TeamSTEPPS educational intervention. After obtaining informed consent, a demographic survey, a pre- and post-test TeamSTEPPS Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire (T-TAQ) and Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) were administered. The post-test included open-ended questions for feedback that were analyzed using manifest content analysis. Results: Qualitative findings indicated improvements in attitudes towards teamwork and job satisfaction. The qualitative results highlighted effective communication strategies promoted teamwork and patient safety. Teamwork ultimately improved by empowering staff to provide the best care, and positive teamwork impacted job satisfaction. Results of the quantitative analysis showed no significant difference between the mean T-TAQ and JSS scores on pre- and post-tests after the TeamSTEPPS educational intervention. Study limitations included a high leadership turnover, a small sample size and less than 4 months between the pre- and post-tests. Conclusion: This project highlights the critical role of teamwork and strategic communication in enhancing job satisfaction and ultimately better patient care in the interventional service areas, giving valuable insights for future practice and research in this area