Targeted Simulation-based Leadership Training for Trauma Team Leaders

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Leadership Training
• Teamwork in Healthcare

Background:

• Effective team leadership is crucial for improving patient care.
• Simulation-based training offers a practical method for developing leadership skills.
• Existing healthcare education often integrates leadership minimally within broader teamwork training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel, adaptable simulation-based curriculum for team leadership in graduate medical education.
• To provide a leadership-focused training program for trauma team leaders.
• To facilitate individualized learning experiences within a standardized curriculum.

Main Methods:

• Developed a four-hour, simulation-based leadership training for emergency medicine and surgery residents.
• Incorporated facilitated discussions, didactic sessions, and adaptable simulations with debriefing.
• Administered post-training surveys 7-24 months later to assess skill implementation.

Main Results:

• 36 residents participated; 23 (64%) responded to the survey.
• 96% of respondents found the training valuable for residency education.
• All respondents reported continued use of at least one learned behavior, notably pre-arrival briefs and prioritization.

Conclusions:

• A leadership-focused, simulation-based training was successfully delivered and adapted to individual learner needs.
• The training demonstrated perceived impact on practice up to 24 months post-completion.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the training's effect on learner knowledge, behavior, and patient outcomes.