Widespread implementation of rapid response teams (RRTs) has been spurred by endorsements from prominent organizations and a Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal. However, the evidence on effectiveness of such teams is mixed, although recent single-institution studies have shown impressive improvements in clinical outcomes. This study found that implementation of an RRT at an academic medical center did not improve clinical outcomes over a 6-month follow-up period. This study is one of the few to evaluate the effectiveness of teams led by resident physicians and nurses, in contrast with other studies evaluating RRTs led by critical care physicians.

Full text available, courtesy of Joint Commission Resources.