Measuring the influence of a mutual support educational intervention within a nursing team

BackgroundTeamwork is essential to provide the highest quality of care for patients. Feeling supported within a nursing unit is a significant factor in nursing satisfaction, intention to remain in the job, and the capacity to provide safe patient care by Aiken et al [1].PurposeThis study examined mutual support among a nursing team to measure the influence of an educational intervention focusing on Mutual Support from the Team STEPPS curriculum by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, AHRQ [2].MethodsThe study design used a Likert scale survey, the Nursing Teamwork Survey, before and following an education intervention adapted from the Team STEPPS curriculum on Mutual Support. Demographic data from the 41 participants were analyzed for impact on educational background, roles and responsibilities, age, and other factors.ResultsPre- Post education intervention results varied among the survey items, although scores demonstrated heightened awareness of teamwork following the educational intervention. The subscale of Backup illustrated the strongest improvement.ConclusionThe study demonstrates that education can have an impact on perceptions and awareness of mutual support among nursing team members. The survey instrument can be used effectively to inform leadership areas for improvement and staff development in the effort to improve team coordination and mutual support.