Improving Interprofessional Teamwork in Plastic Surgery: A Novel Approach to Microsurgical Skills Training

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Microsurgery Training
• Interprofessional Collaboration

Background:

• Effective communication and shared mental models are crucial for managing intraoperative complications in surgery.
• Microsurgery presents unique challenges, including specialized equipment and limited visualization, requiring specific skills from the entire surgical team.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a microsurgical skills training session for surgical nurses.
• To enhance nurses' understanding of microsurgical challenges and improve instrument handling.
• To explore the impact of role-reversal and skills-based training on multidisciplinary collaboration.

Main Methods:

• A microsurgical skills session was developed for surgical nurses, featuring microscope familiarization and practical stations with increasing motor task complexity.
• Consultant plastic surgeons participated as scrub persons, facilitating a role-reversal dynamic.
• Participant feedback was collected on the session's relevance, helpfulness, and impact on understanding.

Main Results:

• All participants reported enjoyment and an improved understanding of microsurgery.
• Nurses found the training relevant and helpful to their daily roles.
• Attendees expressed willingness to participate in future similar sessions.

Conclusions:

• Role-reversal and skills-based training are effective for enhancing multidisciplinary collaboration in microsurgery.
• Increased shared knowledge among surgical teams improves communication, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
• This study represents a foundational step toward a standardized microsurgical skills course for nurses, with potential applications across surgical specialties.