We will have huddles about what the expectations are of the day and the nurse assignment to which doctors they will be working with and who will be in our treatment room and if there are any staff that are away that day. It helps us to understand the expectations and responsibilities of the day will be and causes less confusion on what we are to be doing as well as keeping the open communication between the team because we will be able to talk about any concerns or thoughts about the day as well get spoken about and sort out any issues that a staff may have before the day starts.

Huddles are a great way to get together to formally or informally review the day ahead and what is needed both ways. It allows the team to create a game plan for the day, so everyone is on the same level. Communication in huddles is open and active, allowing each team member to express their concerns, issues and ideas. Huddles helps eliminate confusion about roles and expectations for the day. In our clinic, we huddle with the front receptionist, RPN, NP and other providers (physiotherapist, counsellor). Each person is able to bring forth challenges and concerns, or areas of care issues in an open environment.

We engage in 2 kinds of huddles twice throughout the day. The first kind is with the interprofessional teams in Dietary, Maintenance, and Activities so that we all know what is on the agenda for the day & evening. This allows us to work with each department in mind and provide support from our respective roles as needed.
The other huddle is among the nursing staff (PSW, UCP, RPN & RN). During these sessions, we discuss immediate concerns, appointments, medication orders, among other ad hoc details. This allows the nursing team to move into their shift or hand over the details of care in order to ensure the continuity of care from one shift to another.