Using high-fidelity simulation to develop nurse-physician teams

This study was undertaken to determine whether interdisciplinary high-fidelity simulation training improves group cohesion in nurse-physician teams. In addition, perceptions of collaboration and satisfaction with patient care decisions were measured in nurse-physician participants.

Clinical scenarios relevant to the general surgical urology inpatient unit were conducted in an interdisciplinary high-fidelity simulation center. Participants included physicians and staff nurses.

Participants reported a positive shift in group cohesion over time. In addition, the results suggested a positive shift in perceptions of collaboration and satisfaction with patient care decisions over time. The youngest participants (Millennial Generation, born in the 1980s and 1990s) showed the most significant growth in response to the training.

This study provides evidence of benefits of high-fidelity simulation that extend beyond the training. Simulation training may be a strategy to build and strengthen relationships across nurse-physician teams. In addition, this type of training may positively affect collaboration and satisfaction with patient care decisions. When data were analyzed by generational grouping, the most significant growth occurred in the Millennial Generation participants. These influences need to be explored further.