A Practical Approach to Observation of the Emergency Care Setting

Hohenhaus et al discuss the purpose of direct observation in emergency care setting. direct observation of the healthcare team in the "living laboratory" of the clinical setting has been confirmed as an additional methodology that helps to identify and analyze these threats and opportunities for improvement as well as the existing safety culture. Observations before structured teamwork training initiatives can identify specific teamwork opportunities to customize training content; observations after training measure team behavioral change. Observations do not consist of simply standing in a room and watching the clinical milieu. Observational methodology must be taught, nurtured, and encouraged, as well as held to the highest standards, as in any other scientific discipline.