Pilot One-Hour Multidisciplinary Team Training Simulation Intervention in the Operating Room Improves Team...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Healthcare Team Training

Background:

• Nontechnical skills are crucial for operating room (OR) team performance.
• Assessing nontechnical skills traditionally relies on observational tools.
• Simulation-based training offers a controlled environment for skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a 1-hour simulation-based training on interprofessional OR teams.
• To determine if the training improves nontechnical skills as measured by the Nontechnical Skills Tool (NOTECHS II).
• To assess the effectiveness and participant satisfaction with the simulation intervention.

Main Methods:

• Interprofessional OR teams (surgery, anesthesiology, nursing, technicians) participated in a 1-hour simulation.
• Nontechnical skills were assessed using the NOTECHS II during and after the simulation.
• Participants completed self-reflection surveys (SRS) pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Team nontechnical skills (NOTECHS II scores) improved between simulations and remained elevated post-intervention.
• Individual self-reflection scores (SRS) showed a similar positive trend.
• The pilot program involved 4 teams and 26 participants.

Conclusions:

• Brief, on-site interprofessional OR team training simulations are feasible and effective.
• Simulation-based interventions can lead to measurable improvements in team nontechnical skills.
• Participants perceived the training as beneficial and effective for their learning.