Collaboration in practice--assessment of an RAF CCAST.
Aeromedical evacuation of critically ill patients by the Royal Air Force is undertaken in a complex healthcare environment--one which demands effective teamwork to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient. A military team cannot rely purely on rank structure to guarantee a disciplined and efficient working unit. Furthermore, personnel must acknowledge the many potential hindrances of a Critical Care Air Support Team (CCAST) working environment that can affect optimal performance. These include: fatigue as a result of extended hours of duty; effects of altitude; isolation; and entering war zones, all of which may negatively affect motivation, stress and communication. This article reviews and discusses adaptation strategies utilised by a CCAST to overcome these obstacles. The importance of role equality within a team and the subsequent feeling of value this promotes, effective communication and positive "can do" attitudes contribute to making the team work.
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D000337:Aerospace Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017732:Air Ambulances / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000209:etiology; D003142:Communication; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D006040:Goals; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008888:Military Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009042:Motivation; D020380:Needs Assessment; D016272:Occupational Health; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D024382:Professional Role; D006113:United Kingdom