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Towards a safer culture: implementing multidisciplinary simulation-based team training in New Zealand operating
Tanisha Jowsey1, Peter Beaver1, Jennifer Long1
1Centre for Medical and Health Sciences Education, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
BMJ Open
|November 3, 2019
Summary
NetworkZ, a simulation-based team training program, improved operating theatre teamwork and communication in New Zealand hospitals. Sustained support is crucial for embedding this patient safety initiative nationwide.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Patient Safety
- Medical Education
Background:
- NetworkZ is a simulation-based multidisciplinary team-training program.
- It aims to enhance patient safety by improving communication and teamwork in operating theatres (OTs).
- Implementation began in New Zealand (NZ) in 2017.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore staff experiences and challenges during NetworkZ implementation in NZ hospitals.
- To identify areas for process improvement in future implementations.
Main Methods:
- Interviews with staff from five hospitals involved in the initial NetworkZ implementation.
- Analysis using the Organising for Quality model, focusing on six challenges: structure, infrastructure, politics, culture, motivation, and learning.
Main Results:
- Structural support was essential for maintaining enthusiasm and embedding the program.
- Multidisciplinary, simulation-based training was valued for realistic in situ simulations and educational support.
- Positive cultural changes, improved teamwork, and communication were reported, especially in sites with strong structural support.
Conclusions:
- Implementation challenges were identified, informing future strategies.
- Embedding NetworkZ nationwide requires significant and sustained support at all levels.
- Widespread multidisciplinary team training offers substantial gains in patient safety and workplace culture.
