A new practical approach using TeamSTEPPS strategies and tools: - an educational design

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Safety
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Teamwork is crucial for surgical patient safety and error prevention.
• Developing culturally relevant teamwork training is essential, especially in indigenous communities.
• Advancements in educational technology necessitate new approaches to surgical teamwork instruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a virtual reality-based teamwork training method for cesarean section surgery.
• To evaluate the impact of this virtual reality training on healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes.

Main Methods:

• The ADDIE instructional design model was employed.
• TeamSTEPPS Learning Benchmarks assessed educational needs in 85 cesarean section team members.
• Four virtual reality (VR) 360-video modules were developed based on identified needs.

Main Results:

• Six key teamwork micro-skills were identified: briefing, debriefing, cross-monitoring, I'M SAFE checklist, call-out and check-back, and the two-challenge rule.
• Virtual reality content significantly improved teamwork competencies in the interprofessional surgical team.
• A notable increase in both knowledge and attitude scores was observed post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Virtual reality training effectively addresses teamwork needs in cesarean section surgery.
• The TeamSTEPPS strategy, integrated with VR, enhances surgical team collaboration.
• This approach improves interpersonal teamwork and contributes to safer surgical practices.