Delivery of the TeamSTEPPS® communication module to the ophthalmatology operating room team: determining perceptions, experiences, and opinions

Abstract

Background: Interprofessional collaboration among healthcare teams has become essential to ensuring patient safety. Deficiencies in collaboration and ineffective communication among team members contribute significantly to the risk of patient harm. Communication-related issues are consistently identified as the predominant cause of medical errors across healthcare settings. The aim of the study was to implement the TeamSTEPPS® Communication Module in the ophthalmology operating room at a university hospital in Turkey, and determine the perceptions, experiences, and opinions of the healthcare professionals regarding communication and teamwork to enhance collaboration and patient safety. Methods: In this mixed-method study, the participants completed the TeamSTEPPS® Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire (T-TPQ) at three time points: immediately before the training, immediately after its conclusion, and one month post-training. Additionally, qualitative data were collected through focus group interviews conducted before the training. Results: A total of 31 participants participated in the study. The analysis of the T-TPQ scores revealed no statistically significant differences between the pre-test, post-test, and retention test results (p > 0.05). The interview data underwent inductive content analysis, resulting in the identification of four key themes: team cohesion, support, leadership qualities, and communication. The participants’ feedback on the TeamSTEPPS® Communication Module highlighted verifying understanding, avoiding errors, and applying lessons to improve collaboration, patient safety, and professional responsibility. Conclusion: This study is significant as it represents the first implementation and evaluation of the TeamSTEPPS® Communication Module in Turkey. These findings underscore the importance of assessing the specific educational needs of healthcare units and designing team-based training, and regular repetition of training to reinforce learning, enhance communication, and promote the delivery of safer healthcare services. Trial registration: Clinical trial number: Not applicable.