Table 2 Emergency team competency tools (ETC tools)
Areas | Elements | Behaviours |
|---|---|---|
Communication | Listening Clarity and relevance “Close loop” Feedback loop Standard phraseology Assertiveness | • Demonstrates willingness to listen with empathy • Makes sure that the recipient is ready and able to receive information • Delivers messages clearly, comprehensibly, concisely, comprehensively, correctly • Confirmation is expected after making a request or giving orders • It requests and provides the return messages after each communication • Uses acronyms, abbreviations, sequences, etc • Maintains his point of view respectfully (doubt, worry, request, action) • Activates to limit non-essential talks and interruptions in critical situations |
Decision-making | Diagnosis Options Risk assessment Review | • Involves the team periodically in the diagnosis process • Decides about the action plan (stay and play; scoop and run) • Evaluates different options (risks and benefits) and considers alternative plans • Periodically reviews the decision made and is available for changes • Uses decision aids |
Clinical skills | System awareness Compliance with standards Knowledge and application of procedures/guidelines Understanding of legal regulations Quick look | • Shows familiarity with systems, their limits and interactions • Able to locate each item of the equipment within the operational space • Knows and applies procedures, guidelines, algorithms and international standards • Justifies to colleagues any deviation from established standards • Demonstrates adherence with the rules of conduct, applicable regulations and legal responsibilities • Recognizes obvious clinical signs; interprets posture, non-verbal and para-verbal language to establish the patient’ status |
Situation awareness | Information gathering Understanding and analysis Anticipation | • Actively searches for information related to the following: patient status, environment, timing • Organizes information and analyses it critically • Verifies the assumptions made and is willing to update the “mental model” • Identifies distracting factors (interruptions, noise, etc.) • Anticipates possible developments and consequences of actions |
Leadership | Leadership style Briefing and planning Conflict management | • Adapts leadership to the situation and the group • Shares the vision, goals, thoughts and actions with others to achieve better results • Performs briefing and debriefing • Involves colleagues in planning and coordinating activities • Calm in conflicts and able to negotiate alternative solutions |
Task management | Priorities setting Time optimization Resource management Task distribution Role adherence | • Sets the right priorities and is flexible in changing them • Considers time constraints/deadlines • Identifies and uses all available resources (human and otherwise) • Balances the workload within the team • Knows the assigned tasks and the associated limitations |
cooperation | Coordination and integration Supporting others Sharing Call for help | • Collaborates actively with colleagues; shows adaptability • Is attentive to colleagues’ work, helps if necessary • Asks for help promptly when needed • Shares information, doubts and concerns • Knows how to give and receive feedback honestly and respectfully |
Stress & fatigue management | Stress factors Emotions Coping strategies | • Recognizes sources of stress and the effects on oneself and on team members • Shares own psychophysical condition with the group (emotional debriefing) • Has good management of personal stress and emotions |