Evaluation of teamwork assessment tools for interprofessional simulation: a systematic literature review

There is growing evidence supporting the use of simulation-based education to improve teamwork in the clinical environment, which results in improved patient outcomes. Interprofessional simulation improves awareness of professional roles and responsibilities, promotes teamwork and provides training in non-technical skills. Tools have been developed to assess the quality of teamwork during simulation, but the use of these tools should be supported by validity evidence in appropriate contexts. This study aims to assess the validity of teamwork tools used in simulation-based interprofessional training for healthcare workers and students, and to compare the design and reporting of these studies. Medline, EMBASE, ERIC, and CINAHL were searched using terms synonymous with simulation, crew resource management, training, assessment, interprofessional, and teamwork, from 2007-2017. Interprofessional healthcare simulation studies involving objectively rated teamwork training were included. The initial search provided 356 records for review, of which 24 were ultimately included. Three tools demonstrated good validity evidence underpinning their use. However, three studies did not explore tool psychometrics at all, and the quality of reporting amongst these studies on design and participant demographics was variable. Further research to generate reporting guidelines and validate existing tools for new populations would be beneficial.