Empowering sustained patient safety: The benefits of combining top-down and bottom-up approaches

Abstract

Implementation of TeamSTEPPS for improving patient safety is examined via descriptive qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews with 21 informants at 12 hospitals. Implementation approaches fit 3 strategies: top-down, bottom-up, and combination. The top-down approach failed to develop enough commitment to spread implementation. The bottom-up approach was unable to marshal the resources necessary to spread implementation. Combining top-down and bottomup processes best facilitated the implementation and spread of the TeamSTEPPS safety initiative.