Medical Team Training Programs in Health Care

Abstract : Numerous medical team training programs have been developed and implemented in response to the patient safety crisis highlighted by the Institute of Medicine. The role of effective teamwork in accomplishing complex tasks is well accepted in many domains. Similarly, there is some evidence that outcomes in health care may depend on effective team performance. This paper reviews the evidence base for two categories of medical team training: simulator-based programs and classroom-based programs. Specifically, we examine the purpose and strategy of each and then review the reported empirical evidence. In addition, for three of four classroom-based programs we report the results from a series of course observations, curriculum reviews, instructor interviews, and an independent assessment of participant reactions. Finally, on the basis of the evidence reviewed, we present a set of recommendations for how the health care community can develop medical team training in the future.