Simulation-based training improves patient safety climate in acute stroke care (STREAM)

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Education
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Acute stroke treatment requires a time-sensitive, multidisciplinary approach.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration in stroke care presents inherent challenges and patient safety risks.
• The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) is a validated tool for assessing patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Simulation-based Training of the Rapid Evaluation and Management of Acute Stroke (STREAM) on patient safety.
• To assess changes in safety and teamwork climate within acute stroke care teams post-intervention.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous survey using a 33-item questionnaire based on the SAQ was administered pre- and post-intervention.
• The STREAM intervention involved interdisciplinary simulation training for stroke teams at seven German university hospitals.
• Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate psychometric properties and descriptive findings.

Main Results:

• A total of 167 questionnaires were completed (55.2% response rate), with representation from physicians and nurses.
• The STREAM intervention significantly improved the overall safety climate (p=.028) and teamwork climate (p=.001) among stroke teams.
• Nurses reported the most significant perceived benefits from the intervention.

Conclusions:

• Interdisciplinary simulation training, as implemented in the STREAM intervention, enhances perceived patient safety and teamwork in acute stroke care.
• These findings support the use of simulation-based training as a strategy for quality improvement in stroke therapy.
• The study highlights the positive influence of STREAM on patient safety climate as measured by the SAQ.