Quality Improvement: Evaluation of Team Communication Openness in Specialty and Emergency Veterinarians Who Regularly Use Communication Tools

ABSTRACT Objective To determine whether the regular use of structured communication tools is associated with greater communication openness among small animal specialty practitioners and emergency providers. Design A cross‐sectional, anonymous, and voluntary survey of veterinary providers. Participants Two hundred forty‐seven survey responses were received across three specialty veterinary college email listservs, including the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. Measurements and Main Results Descriptive statistics were used to determine respondents’ awareness and use of communication tools, as well as perceptions of team communication openness. Most respondents ( n = 201 [85.9%]) were unaware of Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS). Less than one‐third ( n = 72 [30.8%]) reported that they or one of their colleagues had undergone formal training to enhance teamwork and communication in the hospital. Despite not being aware of specific TeamSTEPPS communication tools when referred to by name, many reported the use of communication tools when descriptions were provided. The call out, Situation–Background–Assessment–Response (or similar method), and handoff were the most commonly used communication tools. The debrief and huddle were the least frequently used at a regular interval. The check back and brief were variable in their frequency of use. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis of communication tool utilization and communication openness found that frequent use of structured communication tools was associated with respondents reporting greater team communication openness. Conclusions Awareness of specific TeamSTEPPS communication tools was low among specialty and emergency veterinarian respondents; however, many respondents reported consistent use of analogous structured communication techniques. Frequent use of structured communication tools was associated with communication openness.