Operating Room In Situ Interprofessional Simulation for Improving Communication and Teamwork

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality and Safety
• Medical Education
• Team Dynamics

Background:

• Effective teamwork and communication in the operating room (OR) are linked to improved patient care quality and outcomes.
• Conversely, poor teamwork and communication negatively impact OR outcomes.
• A belief in shared contribution to patient care fosters a productive OR work environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perspectives of nursing, anesthesiology, and surgery professions on teamwork and communication in the OR.
• To compare these perspectives pre- and post-interprofessional in situ OR simulation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative and quantitative exploration using semi-structured interviews and a survey.
• 14 pre-simulation and 10 post-simulation interviews were conducted.
• A survey was developed based on interview themes and distributed to participants.

Main Results:

• Participants consistently emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication.
• Identified communication barriers included lack of cordiality, engagement, distractions, hierarchies, and unfamiliarity.
• Post-simulation, a majority believed they could apply effective communication in their workplace.

Conclusions:

• Improving and maintaining communication skills among OR professionals is essential for patient safety.
• Effective team communication contributes to safe, successful outcomes and a supportive OR environment.