How to use closed-loop communication in a team
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
In emergencies, unclear orders cause errors. Closed-loop communication makes sure every message is heard, understood and carried out.
Step by step
Name the receiver
Use the person's name or role and make eye contact. [1]
Give a clear message
State the drug, dose and route, for example: Give 1 mg epinephrine IV. [1]
Receiver repeats it back
The receiver says the order back in full. [1]
Sender confirms
The sender says that is correct, or fixes the error. [1]
Report when done
The receiver says when the task is finished, for example: 1 mg epinephrine given. [1]
Speak up if unsure
Anyone on the team can question an order that seems wrong. [2]
Read back critical results
Repeat back verbal orders and critical lab values to confirm them. [2]
Common errors
- Calling out orders to no one in particular.
- Not repeating the order back.
- Not saying when a task is done.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
- AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC
- The Joint Commission, National Patient Safety Goals
- AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs)
- AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back)
Facts and steps follow AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs); AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.