TeamSTEPPS® Implementation at a Free Standing Ambulatory Surgical Center for Anesthesia Critical and Adverse Event Training

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to evaluate if there was a change in ambulatory surgical center staff non-technical skills attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge following the implementation of staff team training for anesthesia critical events based on TeamSTEPPS®.

Methods: The non-technical skills attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge of the peri-operative staff at Madison Avenue Surgical Center were assessed utilizing pre- and post-intervention attitudes and perceptions surveys and pre- and post-intervention knowledge assessments. The intervention consisted of six narrated Microsoft® PowerPoint presentations modeled after TeamSTEPPS® 2.0 training. TeamSTEPPS® tools and strategies were reinforced with simulation scenarios covering malignant hyperthermia and advanced cardiac life support. Survey and assessment data were analyzed to assess for changes in non-technical skills attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge in participating ambulatory surgery center staff.

Results: The categories of leadership, team structure, situation monitoring, mutual support, and communication were evaluated. All categories demonstrated an increase in attitudes and perceptions, except attitudes concerning leadership and situation monitoring, and perceptions related to mutual support and communication. Overall increases were seen in the non-technical skills knowledge categories of team structure, situation monitoring, mutual support, and communication. A decrease in leadership knowledge was demonstrated.

Conclusion: This research project demonstrates TeamSTEPPS®’ utility in out-patient surgical centers for anesthesia critical events. An overall increase in attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge occurred post-TeamSTEPPS® implementation. TeamSTEPPS® 2.0 is a low cost, easily modified and implemented training program for health care organizations.

Data Sources: Cochrane Library, Google Search, CINAHL, and PubMed databases. Keywords: Anesthesia critical events training, teamwork training, peri-operative, ambulatory surgical centers, TeamSTEPPS®.