Causes of Failure to Rescue

Failure to rescue (FTR) is the failure to recognize and respond to a hospitalized patient experiencing complications from a disease process or medical intervention resulting in significant morbidity or mortality. This chapter explores systems factors that contribute to FTR including patient-level factors (static and dynamic); tasks and technology; staff factors (cognitive dispositions to respond, education, and experience); teams (teamwork and communication); work environment (staffing levels and models, physical environment); and organizational factors (procedural volume and type, safety culture). By understanding these factors, comprehensive interventions that lead to a sustained decrease in FTR can be developed.