TEAMergizers: Energizers for teamwork and communication skills practice and reflection for medical teams

Electronic dance music festivals rely on ad hoc, interdisciplinary medical teams to manage emergencies. Since members often meet onsite for the first time, quickly building rapport and practicing teamwork/communication skills before the event is essential.

TEAMergizers-energizers to build group rapport and practice teamwork/communication skills-were introduced. TEAMergizers include debriefs to reflect on collaborative competencies.

Twenty-one TEAMergizers were piloted with event medical teams. Participants rated games on engagement and teamwork/communication skill elicitation. Results informed a TEAMergizer Manual with instructions, ratings, debrief guides, and mapping to teamwork/communication domains.

All TEAMergizers were highly rated (n = 314): overall average 8.15/10, average ability to elicit teamwork/communication skills 7.27/10. Games with movement, large groups, a competitive win condition, higher noise levels, and less idea generation scored best. Games with a collaborative win condition, team-versus-team competition, and autonomy of participation extent were perceived best for eliciting teamwork/communication skills.

Next steps include sharing the TEAMergizer Manual with educators. Insights on game features that boost satisfaction and skill elicitation will help educators design teamwork-focused games.