[Crew resource management and simulator training in acute stroke therapy].

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Education
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Acute stroke management demands critical time sensitivity, further complicated by the advent of thrombectomy.
• Crew Resource Management (CRM), proven effective in high-stakes fields like aviation, offers a model for improving team coordination.
• Applying CRM principles to stroke teams may enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of acute stroke treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a CRM-based stroke team with regular simulation training on care quality.
• To assess effects on door-to-needle time, thrombolysis rates, staff satisfaction, and perceived patient safety.
• To examine the implementation in a tertiary care neurocenter's emergency department.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a dedicated 7-person stroke team activated via a collective speed dial.
• Development and monthly conduction of simulator-based team training for all stroke team members.
• Systematic recording of door-to-needle times, staff satisfaction, and acceptance of the training format.

Main Results:

• Achieved a sustained reduction in mean door-to-needle time to under 30 minutes.
• Enhanced perceived patient safety among less experienced residents (under 2 years).
• Demonstrated very high acceptance and perceived usefulness of the CRM training among staff.

Conclusions:

• CRM-based stroke team implementation and simulator training positively impacted workflow and work satisfaction.
• While direct patient outcome data is limited, the intervention shows significant benefits for the care process.
• The approach offers a valuable strategy for optimizing acute stroke patient treatment and team dynamics.