-
psnet.ahrq.gov/node/853773/psn-pdf
September 27, 2023 - A tool for speaking up is CUS - “I am Concerned, I
am Uncomfortable, this is a Safety issue.”
-
preventiveservices.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/hai/tools/perinatal-care-2/hypertension_5-mutual-support.pptx
July 01, 2023 - Power Words
aka, “CUS” Words
I am Concerned
I am Uncomfortable
This is a Safety Issue
7
Hospital … If you are familiar with AHRQ’s TeamSTEPPS materials, you may know these as CUS words.
-
preventiveservices.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/hai/tools/perinatal-care-2/hypertension_5-mutual-support-speaker-notes.pdf
July 01, 2023 - process to resolve the safety issue.
7
6
Hospital AIM
Team
Leads
SPPC‐II
Power Words
aka, “CUS … If you are
familiar with AHRQ’s TeamSTEPPS materials, you may know these as CUS words.
-
ce.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/hai/tools/perinatal-care-2/hypertension_5-mutual-support-speaker-notes.pdf
July 01, 2023 - process to resolve the safety issue.
7
6
Hospital AIM
Team
Leads
SPPC‐II
Power Words
aka, “CUS … If you are
familiar with AHRQ’s TeamSTEPPS materials, you may know these as CUS words.
-
ce.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/hai/tools/perinatal-care-2/hypertension_5-mutual-support.pptx
July 01, 2023 - Power Words
aka, “CUS” Words
I am Concerned
I am Uncomfortable
This is a Safety Issue
7
Hospital … If you are familiar with AHRQ’s TeamSTEPPS materials, you may know these as CUS words.
-
www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/hai/tools/perinatal-care-2/hypertension_5-mutual-support-speaker-notes.pdf
July 01, 2023 - process to resolve the safety issue.
7
6
Hospital AIM
Team
Leads
SPPC‐II
Power Words
aka, “CUS … If you are
familiar with AHRQ’s TeamSTEPPS materials, you may know these as CUS words.
-
www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/hai/tools/perinatal-care-2/hypertension_5-mutual-support.pptx
July 01, 2023 - Power Words
aka, “CUS” Words
I am Concerned
I am Uncomfortable
This is a Safety Issue
7
Hospital … If you are familiar with AHRQ’s TeamSTEPPS materials, you may know these as CUS words.
-
ce.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/labor-delivery/perinatal-care/modules/strategies/labor-delivery-unit/tool-cord-prolapse.html
July 01, 2023 - Use CUS language: "I am c oncerned. I am u ncomfortable. This is a s afety issue."
-
www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/action-alliance/teamwork-ptsafety-norms-slides.pdf
April 15, 2025 - Leadership
• Briefs
• Huddles
• Debriefs
Mutual Support
• Task Assistance
• Feedback
• Critical Language (CUS
-
psnet.ahrq.gov/periodic-issue/periodic-issue-416
November 29, 2023 - case study to highlight barriers to speaking up and evidence-based tools nurses can use such as the CUS
-
cahps.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/hais/tools/perinatal-care/modules/strategies/rapid-response/tool_rapidresponse-systems.docx
May 01, 2017 - · Assert a corrective action in a firm and respectful manner
· Use CUS language: “I am concerned.
-
monahrq.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/hais/tools/perinatal-care/modules/strategies/rapid-response/tool_rapidresponse-systems.docx
May 01, 2017 - · Assert a corrective action in a firm and respectful manner
· Use CUS language: “I am concerned.
-
healthcare411.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/hais/tools/perinatal-care/modules/strategies/rapid-response/tool_rapidresponse-systems.docx
May 01, 2017 - · Assert a corrective action in a firm and respectful manner
· Use CUS language: “I am concerned.
-
monahrq.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/hais/tools/perinatal-care/modules/strategies/labor-delivery-unit/tool_obhemorrhage.docx
May 01, 2017 - .
· Use CUS language: “I am concerned. I am uncomfortable.
-
healthcare411.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/hais/tools/perinatal-care/modules/strategies/labor-delivery-unit/tool_obhemorrhage.docx
May 01, 2017 - .
· Use CUS language: “I am concerned. I am uncomfortable.
-
cahps.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/hais/tools/perinatal-care/modules/strategies/labor-delivery-unit/tool_obhemorrhage.docx
May 01, 2017 - .
· Use CUS language: “I am concerned. I am uncomfortable.
-
talkingquality.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/hais/tools/perinatal-care/modules/strategies/labor-delivery-unit/tool_obhemorrhage.docx
May 01, 2017 - .
· Use CUS language: “I am concerned. I am uncomfortable.
-
talkingquality.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/hais/tools/perinatal-care/modules/strategies/rapid-response/tool_rapidresponse-systems.docx
May 01, 2017 - · Assert a corrective action in a firm and respectful manner
· Use CUS language: “I am concerned.
-
pbrn.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/hais/tools/perinatal-care/modules/strategies/rapid-response/tool_rapidresponse-systems.docx
May 01, 2017 - · Assert a corrective action in a firm and respectful manner
· Use CUS language: “I am concerned.
-
pcmh.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/hais/tools/perinatal-care/modules/strategies/labor-delivery-unit/tool_obhemorrhage.docx
May 01, 2017 - .
· Use CUS language: “I am concerned. I am uncomfortable.