What to Communicate?

The team leader, aside from directing team members, must also ask for vital information from its members, and the team members must inform the leader of significant changes in the patient’s condition. 

The leader should encourage members to make suggestions when they notice something was overlooked, such as an obstructed intravenous line or incorrect dosing of an administered drug.

How to Communicate?

Closed-loop communication is a communication technique that helps to avoid misunderstandings during the delivery of vital information.

Closed-Loop Communication

During resuscitation, the team leader verbalizes an order to a team member. That team member makes direct eye contact and confirms receiving the order. The team leader then confirms that the member has heard and understood the message. 

For example:

• Leader: “___, please insert an IV line.”
• Team Member: “____, I am inserting an IV line now.”
• Leader: “____will insert an IV line, confirmed.”
• Team Member: “______, the IV line is properly inserted, and we have a good flow.”

Good communication is a historical key to success.