Improving failure to rescue outcomes : a rapid response team program review

Background/Significance: The average annual incidence of in-hospital cardiac arrests from 2008-2017 was approximately 292,000, an increase of 81,000 since previous data was obtained for the years 2003-2007 (Holmberg et al., 2019). Early identification of patient decline and initiation of a Rapid Response Team (RRT) are necessary for improved patient outcomes, decreased length of stay, and decreased mortality (AHRQ, 2018; Andersen et al., 2019; Burke et al., 2022; IHI, 2022). According to the AHRQ (2019), complications of medical care are unavoidable, and it is the responsibility of the health care system to quickly identify and treat those complications. Methods: A literature search was performed for articles published from January 2017 to July 2022 utilizing CINAHL and PubMed. Articles identified training and education, team composition, sociocultural/leadership, and outcome data to improve RRT outcomes. Utilizing Havelock's Phases of Change model, a proposal to improve RRT performance was developed. Conclusion: Ineffective RRT performance contributes to poor patient outcomes and increased mortality. Program evaluation of an RRT identified gaps and contributory factors which provided the basis for change. Existing resources and processes were used to help ensure sustainability. Upon successful implementation, an updated policy, comprehensive education plan, outcome data measures, and ongoing monitoring plan were in place to monitor progress toward improving RRT outcomes.