Curriculum Innovation: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of an Interdisciplinary Teamwork-Focused Neurocritical...

Area of Science:

• Neurocritical Care
• Medical Simulation
• Teamwork Training

Background:

• Neurocritical care (NCC) requires strong interdisciplinary team cohesion, relying on nontechnical skills like teamwork and communication.
• Traditional training programs often lack structured development of these essential interdisciplinary skills in intensive care units (ICUs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement an in situ simulation program for practicing teamwork in NCC.
• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of recurring in situ simulations.
• To assess baseline teamwork and clinician preparedness for emergencies.

Main Methods:

• A 1-year pilot project utilized monthly NCC in situ simulations guided by the NLN Jeffries Simulation Theory.
• Debriefing with Good Judgment facilitated postsimulation reflection.
• Feasibility, acceptability, teamwork (Mayo High Performance Teamwork Scale), and preparedness were quantitatively assessed.

Main Results:

• 12 simulations involved 95 unique learners, achieving 72% core team participation.
• 91% of learners found the simulation experiential, collaborative, and learner-centered.
• Preparedness scores significantly increased post-simulation (p < 0.001), while teamwork scores varied by discipline.

Conclusions:

• In situ simulation is a feasible and acceptable method for enhancing ICU teamwork culture.
• Team-based simulation demonstrably improves self-reported preparedness for clinical emergencies.
• Clinical setting simulation is a powerful tool for improving patient care and addressing educational gaps.