Checklist for Creating an Observation Tool - Coaching Clinical Teams Module

Make sure your tool—

|___| Has clear objectives
|___| Is used at a clearly identified point in time of patient care
|___| Builds on tools you already have
|___| Can be used to observe teamwork, communication, and tone in addition to process
|___| Focuses on things that are visible to the observer

Make sure your tool—

|___| Is brief
|___| Is readable
|___| Does not include personal identifiers
|___| Uses simple sentence structure and basic language
|___| Lists the items in the order in which the team will perform them

Make sure your tool—

|___| Is tested by those who will use it
|___| Takes less than 15 minutes for the observer to fill out
|___| Incorporates any feedback from the testing

Make sure that—

|___| Every time you change your tool you test it before using it
|___| All observers are trained on how to use the tool and teams are given constructive feedback