Simulation-based training for increasing health service board members' effectiveness: a cluster randomised controlled...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Health Services Research
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Health service boards are crucial for patient care, yet research on improving their functioning is limited.
• Effective board communication and processes are essential for optimal healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of simulation-based training on health service board members' perceived communication skills.
• To assess the effect of training on board members' perceptions of board meeting processes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, cluster randomized controlled trial involving 12 health service boards in Victoria, Australia.
• 57 board members participated, with data collected pre- and post-intervention.
• The intervention group received a 2-hour simulation-based training session, compared to a waitlist control group.

Main Results:

• Board members reported higher skill and confidence in communication post-training (d=0.40).
• Perceptions of board meeting processes significantly improved after the training (d=0.54).
• The training demonstrated a positive effect on both communication skills and meeting efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based training shows promise in enhancing health service board members' skills and meeting effectiveness.
• Larger trials are warranted to explore the potential influence of these improvements on patient outcomes.