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The Effects of Simulation-based TeamSTEPPS Interprofessional Communication and Teamwork Training on Patient and Provider Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Previous research studies show that interprofessional training programs such as the Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) program may improve communication and teamwork between healthcare providers, as well as perceptions of patient safety culture and patient outcomes. Both the didactic-based TeamSTEPPS program and the didactic TeamSTEPPS program augmented with simulations have been implemented in various settings; however, there are still only a few published articles on studies that provide empirical evidence for such program's direct impact on patient safety outcomes, especially in medical/surgical units. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects on TeamSTEPPS interprofessional communication and teamwork training on provider outcomes (perceptions of communication, teamwork, and patient safety culture) and patient safety outcomes (patient falls and hospital acquired pressure ulcers). The study also evaluated the association between the providers' characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, primary language, English proficiency, educational level, country of pre-licensure nursing/ MD education, years of U.S. work experience) and provider outcomes. Methods:A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest repeated measures design was used to conduct this study. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit Registered Nurses and physicians of applicable medical/ surgical units at two comparable hospitals in Los Angeles County. Results: For the first part of the study, positive trends were noted in patient and provider outcomes following the TeamSTEPPS study; however, the results were not statistically significant. In the second part of the study, provider characteristics including race/ culture, gender, age, years of practice in U.S., years of employment in current unit, primary language, and English proficiency had statistically significant effects on provider outcomes. Conclusion: Lessons learned from this study may guide development and implementation of evidence-based interventions such as the simulation-based TeamSTEPPS program to improve patient and provider outcomes in other medical-surgical settings. It may also guide development and implementation of policies that establish minimum requirements for safe practice, as well as tailored health care provider educational interventions that may improve both provider and patient outcomes. Future research studies may be strengthened by applying a larger sample size, with more rigorous educational intervention and research methods, over a longer period of time.

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