From the flight deck to the operating room: an initial pilot study of the feasibility and potential impact of true interdisciplinary team training using high-fidelity simulation.
BACKGROUND
The operating room is a dynamic environment in which proper teamwork is essential. After piloting a simulation-based interdisciplinary operative team training program, we examined the impact of these sessions on the participants.


METHODS
Three interdisciplinary operating room teams participated in the training model. Each team of 3 or 4 members completed the training in a virtual minimally invasive operating room using a standardized operative scenario. Upon completion of the training, participants completed a voluntary and anonymous training effectiveness questionnaire.


RESULTS
All 10 participants completed the training evaluation questionnaires. Across the 3 teams, all participants felt that the training was worthwhile and would participate again. Eight participants said that the session would change their practices in the operating room. All participants felt that the session was effective in promoting team communication skills and crisis-related teamwork. Nine of the 10 felt that the training model was effective in recognizing operating room errors.


CONCLUSIONS
Implementing true interdisciplinary team training with a high-fidelity simulation can be accomplished effectively. Team training has the potential for facilitating positive behavioral changes in operating room personnel that are important for adaptive team function in a crisis situation.
Paige
John
J
Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. jpaige@lsuhsc.edu
Kozmenko
Valeriy
V
Morgan
Barbara
B
Howell
D Shannon
DS
Chauvin
Sheila
S
Hilton
Charles
C
Cohn
Isidore
I
O'Leary
J Patrick
JP
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003142:Communication; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009719:Nurse Anesthetists / Q000458:organization & administration; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012984:Software; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*