All professions can benefit - a mixed-methods study on simulation-based teamwork training for operating room teams

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Teamwork
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Operating rooms face increasing complexity, demanding enhanced teamwork.
• Simulation-based team training is proposed to improve performance, culture, and patient safety.
• This study addresses a gap in published research on team training for surgical professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate participant reactions to simulation-based team training.
• To assess changes in motivation and self-efficacy post-training.
• To explore the transfer of learned skills to the workplace.

Main Methods:

• Prospective mixed-methods intervention study.
• Full-day simulation-based teamwork training for 71 operating room professionals.
• Quantitative (pre/post questionnaires) and qualitative (focus groups) data collection and analysis.

Main Results:

• All professional groups showed increased self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation.
• Authentic team training enhanced motivation by highlighting communication barriers.
• Training was perceived as a method to reduce barriers and improve collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based training is well-received and feasible for professional surgical teams.
• The training offers opportunities to improve teamwork and communication skills.
• Qualitative data indicate both potential and challenges in workplace skill transfer.