Patient Safety requires good communication, which requires good teamwork. Although health care professionals are expected to work seamlessly within dynamic teams, most do not have any training or expertise in doing so. Teams develop best after working together closely for extended periods of time; however, healthcare teams seldom maintain permanent membership. To be a reliable team, each member must know their own function, and the function of other members of the team. Strategies for improving team work include skill training in closed looped communication, situational awareness, and team leadership, which can and should be utilized for healthcare teams.

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