High performance team interaction in an air medical program

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify and describe the elements of a high performance team interaction on an air medical transport mission.

The phenomenologic method as described by Giorgi was used to guide data collection and analysis. Six flight nurses from around the United States were interviewed and audiotaped as they described their subjective perception of a high performance team experience.

Four themes emerged from the data: collaboration, mutual respect and trust, fitness standards, and synergy.

Implications for flight crews involved in this high performance environment may require attention to the identified themes to promote team performance.