Medical emergency team: Transitioning from an external response team to an internal response team

Purpose To outline the process and thoroughly discuss the methods used to transition from an external rapid response team to an internal rapid response team. Methods The medical complexities of the patient population at Kennedy Krieger Institute, coupled with a retrospective data review of past "code calls," revealed a rapid response team was essential. The anticipated loss of the current external rapid response team indicated that an alternative solution would need to be designed. Over a 2-year period, an internal medical response team was developed and implemented to address the potential medical emergency needs of our acute care rehabilitation patients. Results The outcome from all "code calls" since the implementation of the internal rapid response team has been markedly positive. Discussion Comprehensive planning involving many team members, detailed communication with external resources, and extensive education resulted in a seamless transition from an external rapid response team to an internal response team. Clinical Relevance Freestanding rehabilitation centers do not have the in-house rapid response team resources that an acute care hospital utilizes to address potential medical emergencies. The development and implementation of an internal rapid response team can meet these needs.