Implementation and evaluation of a simulation-based team training program within an unstable pediatrics course utilizing the TeamSTEPPS® 2.0 framework

Abstract

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), ineffective communication and teamwork are two leading causes of medical errors in the United States. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended that healthcare facilities employ measures to improve patient care and safety including teamwork training. Poor communication and lack of teamwork have been found to be the common denominator in up to 70% of serious or fatal medical errors. The Joint Commission and the IOM recognized that successful teamwork is critical for positive patient outcomes. TeamSTEPPS® 2.0 is an evidenced-based approach to developing and supporting teamwork in the healthcare setting with a focus on communication, mutual support, situational monitoring, leadership, and team structure. A simulation-based team training event, guided by the TeamSTEPPS® 2.0 framework, was added to an unstable pediatrics course at a rural Montana community hospital. The purpose of this scholarly project was to implement a simulation-based team training (SBTT) component as part of a comprehensive interdisciplinary unstable pediatrics course. Evaluation of the team training included teamwork attitudes, teamwork perceptions, team performance, and participant satisfaction. Twenty employees of a community hospital participated in the unstable pediatrics course. Total teamwork attitudes in all five sub-constructs improved (p=0.0001). Teamwork perceptions improved in communication, leadership, mutual support, and situational monitoring after the training. Participants agreed or strongly agreed when rating satisfaction with the learning modality of SBTT. Observed team performance improved after the SBTT. The results indicate favorable outcomes for use of the TeamSTEPPS framework with SBTT.