In September 2012, AHRQ released the CUSP Toolkit, a science-based “change package” that helps hospital teams understand how to identify safety problems and gives them tools to tackle these problems. The toolkit is applicable to all hospital staff—unit managers; quality, patient safety and infection prevention officers; and senior leaders. Created by clinicians for clinicians, the toolkit is modular and modifiable to meet individual unit needs. The teaching tools and resources support change at the unit level, with step-by-step instructor guides, slides and presentation materials, implementation tools such as checklists, and videos that simulate desired behaviors. The CUSP Toolkit is enhanced with additional patient safety resources such as TeamSTEPPS®, Just Culture, and Sensemaking, a deliberate process of reflection on defects, failures and near misses. The CUSP Toolkit contains the following nine modules:
- Learn About CUSP.
- Assemble the Team.
- Engage the Senior Executive.
- Understand the Science of Safety.
- Identify Defects Through Sensemaking.
- Implement Teamwork & Communication.
- Apply CUSP.
- The Role of the Nurse Manager.
- Spread.
The CUSP Toolkit is available at www.ahrq.gov/hai/cusp/modules/index.html.
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