Impact Of Inter-professional Simulated-based Crew Resource Management Training On Teamwork In Clinical Education Of Medical And Nursing Curricula

Abstract

Introduction Effective teamwork is one of the critical components of maintaining patient safety. With the notions of interprofessional teamwork training obtained widespread acceptance at healthcare workplace, the training should be introduced in medical and nursing curriculum for both theoretical and clinical learning. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an interprofessional simulation-based Crew Resource Management (CRM) training on teamwork of medical, nursing and pharmacy students in Hong Kong. Methods A mix method research design was adopted. A total of 47 students who studied medical, nursing or pharmacy course in a university in Hong Kong were invited to this study. They were asked to study online materials of CRM that consists of two case scenarios before participating a 2-hour simulation session. Their attitudinal shifts related to teamwork behaviours, perceptions of team-based learning, and teamwork performance were accessed using Human Factors Attitude Survey, Team-Based Learning Student Assessment Instrument and Ottawa Global Rating Scale respectively. Results After the simulation, there was an increase in the participants’ attitudes on teamwork, however, there was no significant difference on increasing positive attitudes between blended team based learning (TBL) plus simulation and simulation only groups (estimate = 1.76, 95% CI [-8.59, 5.06], p = 0.61). In both groups, students were satisfied with the simulation activities and felt accountable to their learning. Compared with simulation only group, students in blended TBL plus simulation group preferred team-based learning to lecture (p = 0.04). Conclusion This study provided evidence of the effect of inter-professional simulation on teamwork education. Participants displayed extensive understanding on fundamental teamwork principles. Further research on the design of incorporating inter-professional education in clinical education curriculum via simulation as the pedagogy is needed.