TEAM UP

Engaging Patients through TEAM UP

What is TEAM UP?

Patients are an integral part of the care team. The DoD Patient Safety Program, along with clinical experts from Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs), developed a brochure which guides patients on how to actively participate in their care: TEAM UP (PDF)

The TEAM UP brochure offers a starting point for engaging patients as part of a care team. Specifically, TEAM UP is a simple mechanism for patients to understand the types of actions and questions they should initiate to optimize their care. The guidance offered through the TEAM UP brochure is summarized in the following table. 
 

Team Together - TEAM UP with the members of your care team and get involved in the decisions that affect you.

Educate Yourself - While getting care, you may interact with many people—each with their own role in delivering your care.

Ask Questions - Make sure you can answer these questions...

• Can I identify my Situation or what is going on with my care now?

• What Background information do I need to understand the situation?

• What is the Assessment or the options to consider?

• Do I know what my care team’s Recommendations are for the next steps?

Manage Your Medications - To receive the full benefits of your medications, you should understand what each medication is and what it is prescribed for, as well as any possible side effects.

Understand Changes in the Game Plan - Make sure you’re fully aware of how the plan has changed, why it has changed, and what your role is now.

Provide Your Perspective - When something doesn’t feel right, you should tell the members of your care team. The more they know, the more they can help.                                                                                                                                   

How can I use TEAM UP in my facility?

Facilities that have used TEAM UP have first gathered support from the internal staff team around asking patients to engage in their care, and specifically around the concepts highlighted within the TEAM UP brochure. Once you have secured the support from your colleagues, begin to share the brochures with your patients – to officially welcome them onto the care team!

Where do I find more information about using TEAM UP or other patient engagement efforts?

You can contact the DoD Patient Safety Program office.

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