Challenges and Resources for New Critical Care Transport Crewmembers: A Descriptive Exploratory Study

The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges new crewmembers experience in the critical care transport (CCT) environment and to determine the most valuable resources when acclimating to the transport environment. To date, no study has focused on the unique challenges nor the resources most effective in CCT training.

This descriptive exploratory study was conducted with a convenience survey sent to the 3 largest professional CCT organizations: the Association of Air Medical Services, the Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association, and the Association of Critical Care Transport.

The study survey responses revealed that more education and training are needed. Novice crewmembers identified areas in safety, communication, environment, and crew resource management as particularly challenging. Responses also validate the need for more simulation training, especially for CCT of low-volume/high-risk patient populations.

Results of this survey provide valuable insight for improving training effectiveness of health care professionals transitioning to the CCT environment. More information regarding best practice on the frequency and timing of CCT simulation training should be collected, particularly for simulations completed in the transport environment.