The purpose of this literature review was to investigate the major barriers nurses face when it is necessary to seek additional assistance and resources by calling the rapid response team (RRT) in order to manage and stabilize a clinically deteriorating patient.

A total of 40 articles were reviewed.

8 barriers were identified as having an impact on RRT activation, either causing a delay in activation time or preventing activation altogether: a lack of consistent RRT education among nurses, the established hierarchy in the hospital, an uncertainty about when to call the RRT if clinical deterioration is subtle or gradual rather than abrupt, a perceived need to justify a decision to call the RRT, the increased workload for both the ICU nurse and the medical–surgical nurse, negative past experiences with RRTs, an unsupportive unit culture, and less nursing experience.

Suggestions for overcoming these barriers include RRT education for nurses and physicians in addition to fostering a supportive unit culture.

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