THE IMPORTANCE OF COLOUR COORDINATION

Effective teamwork is an important aspect for any organisation’s success. There are many benefits of teamwork, most notably, an increase in motivation from your team. And, one of the most rewarding achievements for any team leader is having a harmonised team. An effective way for a team to achieve successful communication, is by simply using colour coordination. And, being able to recognise from a distance someone’s skill level or role in an emergency situation certainly is advantageous, especially for those in a team who have workplace health and safety responsibilities for others.

Benefits of wearing colour coordinated scrubs and uniforms for medical staff

Colour coordination allows medical staff to determine quickly who is who – resulting in an improvement in communication and increased levels of safety within an environment such as an Accident and Emergency Room. Colour coding as a system of sorts, is used by those who need to make quick decisions, knowing the difference between colours helps to define a team members position within their place of employment. Colour coded apparel also non-verbally communicate the wearers roles with patients and their families.

Benefits of colour coded apparel in hospitals for the public

A study in “Nursing Management” magazine (USA) shed light on how difficult it can be for patients and families to easily single out nurses from other hospital staff. Of those interviewed for the study, it was important to know who to approach if they had concerns, and it was equally important for them to be able to identify nurses and differentiate them from other health care staff. Patients want to know who’s in charge of their care, and research shows that patients who are actively involved in their own care and who communicate with their health care team have a much safer, more satisfactory experience.

Colour-coded uniforms for medical teams in Australia

Multiple articles across diverse disciplines incorporate a variety of concepts of “teamwork” for staff covering emergency rooms (ERs), hospital wards, intensive care units (ICUs), and most critically, operating rooms (ORs). Among the findings, colour coordination and cohesive teamwork was found to improve communication between different levels of healthcare workers, and helped to limit adverse events, and improve outcomes, for patient and staff satisfaction. IN CONCLUSION Colour coordinated medical apparel such as scrubs and uniforms, fosters better communication between staff, helps o prevent medical errors, and creates better environments for staff and patients alike. Remember: When you feel like you’re a valued team member, you’re more likely to do the best work you can. That great attitude doesn’t just help your patients; it carries over to every aspect of your work and your life.