Multidisciplinary team simulation for the operating theatre: a review of the literature

Analyses of adverse events inside the operating theatre has demonstrated that many errors are caused by failure in non-technical skills and teamwork. While simulation has been used successfully for teaching and improving technical skills, more recently, multidisciplinary simulation has been used for training team skills. We hypothesized that this type of training is feasible and improves team skills in the operating theatre.

A systematic search of the literature for studies describing true multidisciplinary operating theatre team simulation was conducted in November and December 2012. We looked at the characteristics and outcomes of the team simulation programmes.

1636 articles were initially retrieved. Utilizing a stepwise evaluation process, 26 articles were included in the review. The studies reveal that multidisciplinary operating theatre simulation has been used to provide training in technical and non-technical skills, to help implement new techniques and technologies, and to identify latent weaknesses within a health system. Most of the studies included are descriptions of training programmes with a low level of evidence. No randomized control trial was identified. Participants' reactions to the training programme were positive in all studies; however, none of them could objectively demonstrate that skills acquired from simulation are transferred to the operating theatre or show a demonstrable benefit in patient outcomes.

Multidisciplinary operating room team simulation is feasible and widely accepted by participants. More studies are required to assess the impact of this type of training on operative performance and patient safety.