Which statement correctly describes TeamSTEPPS?

• A. It is a cross-disciplinary training program with no emphasis on team communication.
• B. A patient education program focusing on communication.
• C. It is a systems-based approach to enhancing patient safety with emphasis on communication tools, leadership, situation monitoring, mutual support, and team structure.
• D. It replaces standard safety protocols.

Answer: (C)

TeamSTEPPS is a systems-based approach to patient safety that centers on teamwork and communication. It provides structured tools and training aimed at five domains: leadership, situation monitoring, mutual support, communication, and team structure. This combination helps diverse professionals coordinate reliably, recognize safety threats early, and keep care design aligned with safety goals. The statement that best describes it captures this broad, system-wide focus and these core domains. It’s not just patient education, it doesn’t replace standard safety protocols, and it explicitly emphasizes how teams communicate and work together to improve safety.