Table 3. Domains and Relevant Differences Distinguishing Rapid Response Teams at Top-Performing and Non–Top-Performing Hospitals.

Domain	Relevant Differences
Team design and composition	Top-performing hospitals had dedicated RRTs without other clinical responsibilities and were staffed with members with broad and consistent expertise RRT members at bottom-performing hospitals had other competing clinical responsibilities
Surveillance of at-risk patients	Top-performing hospitals tended to have RRTs actively engaged with bedside nursing in surveillance of at-risk patients prior to clinical deterioration Bottom-performing hospitals seemed to engage less proactively with bedside nursing owing to competing responsibilities and seemed to struggle with appropriate timing and reasons for calling RRTs
Empowerment of bedside nurses to activate a rapid response	Top-performing hospitals empowered nurses to call RRTs based on their clinical judgment and expertise Staff at bottom-performing hospitals seemed concerned about potential consequences of calling RRTs
Collaboration between RRTs and bedside nurses during and after a rapid response	Top-performing hospitals partnered closely with bedside nurses for responses, debriefing, and education Bottom-performing hospitals tended to engage less with bedside nurses and “take over” patient care responsibilities

Abbreviation: RRTs, rapid response teams.