Initial implementation of mixed reality simulation targeting teamwork and patient safety

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Improvement
• Medical Simulation
• Team Training

Background:

• Patient safety is a critical, multifaceted healthcare challenge requiring interventions at individual, team, and organizational levels.
• High-fidelity human patient simulators in clinical settings offer a mixed-reality environment for training healthcare teams.
• Improving team communication and collaboration is essential for enhancing patient safety outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a novel program, the System for Teamwork Effectiveness and Patient Safety (STEPS), for surgical teams.
• To utilize a mobile mock operating room (MMOR) configuration for realistic, in-situ team training.
• To enhance patient safety through improved team communication and performance.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of the STEPS program using an MMOR configuration within the actual operating room environment.
• Training general surgical teams on teamwork and patient safety protocols.
• Conducting simulation sessions followed by facilitated debriefing and communication skills training.
• Assessing team performance through direct observation and 360-degree self-assessments.

Main Results:

• The STEPS program provided a practical mixed-reality environment for surgical team training.
• Simulation and debriefing facilitated the teaching of essential team communication skills.
• Both direct observation and 360-degree assessments were used to evaluate team performance.

Conclusions:

• The STEPS program, utilizing MMOR simulation, offers an effective approach to training surgical teams in patient safety.
• In-situ simulation combined with facilitated debriefing can improve team communication and performance.
• Multilevel assessment methods provide comprehensive insights into team dynamics and patient safety practices.