A multidisciplinary teamwork training program: the Triad for Optimal Patient Safety (TOPS) experience

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Communication and teamwork failures are significant contributors to adverse events in healthcare.
• Residency programs face challenges in teaching essential systems-based practice skills, including teamwork.
• Effective interprofessional collaboration is crucial for enhancing patient safety outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a comprehensive, multidisciplinary teamwork training program.
• To enhance communication skills and foster effective teamwork behaviors among healthcare professionals.
• To address the need for improved interdisciplinary collaboration in residency training.

Main Methods:

• A 4-hour teamwork training program, the Triad for Optimal Patient Safety (TOPS) project, was developed.
• Training incorporated didactic presentations, facilitated discussions with a safety trigger video, and scenario-based exercises.
• A multidisciplinary team managed the development, implementation, and evaluation of the training program.

Main Results:

• The training program received 203 evaluations with a high average overall rating of 4.49 out of 5.
• Participants reported a high satisfaction with the multidisciplinary educational setting, rating it 4.59 out of 5.
• The program demonstrated positive reception across all participating disciplines.

Conclusions:

• A successful multidisciplinary teamwork training program was developed and highly rated by participants.
• Creating a shared platform for interdisciplinary communication and teamwork learning is key.
• This initiative provides a model for improving teamwork and communication in healthcare settings.