A Bridge Between Cultures for Better Patient Care: A Qualitative Study of the Nurse-Led Rapid Response Team

INTRODUCTION: Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) are crucial for patient safety, yet their effectiveness hinges on organisational factors, clinical culture, inter-professional collaboration and ward nurse attitudes. Understanding ward nurses' perceptions is vital for optimising RRT impact on patient care and safety culture.

AIMS: This study aimed to explore general ward registered nurses' perceptions of nurse-led RRTs, focusing on their collaborative experiences and reasons for team activation.

METHODS: A qualitative exploratory design was employed. Focus group interviews were conducted with 22 general ward nurses across three Danish hospitals, recruited via purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview guide facilitated discussions. Interpretive content analysis with a hermeneutical approach was used to identify key themes.

RESULTS: Participants expressed a predominantly positive perception of RRTs, encapsulated in the core theme: 'A vital and dynamic resource, benefitting patient care and nursing practice'. Key categories included: 'Perceiving patient safety as the main purpose of RRT', 'Supporting nurses' sense of security', 'Delivering practical assistance and teaching', 'Providing patient-centred care' and 'Fostering constructive communication and collaboration'. Nurses found experienced physicians supportive but expressed greater confidence in RRT-nurses compared to junior physicians. Frustration with a lack of physician involvement in treatment limitation and end-of-life care discussions was also noted.

CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-led RRTs are valued by ward nurses, providing essential support and bridging multidisciplinary collaboration and communication. However, limitations in the RRT's teaching role suggest a need for supplementary educational strategies. Shared decision-making regarding treatment limitation and end-of-life care is crucial for maximising RRT benefits.

LIMITATIONS: Findings may have limited transferability due to the study's specific healthcare context.