Implementation and effectiveness of crew resource management in the medical sector

Abstract

Crew Resource Management (CRM) is a simulation-based team training that strives to reduce human errors in emergencies and to increase patient safety by improving nontechnical skills. This qualitative study examines the current implementation and effectiveness of medical CRM training in German-speaking countries (Germany and Switzerland). Data was collected through interviews with 20 experts who conduct CRM training in various disciplines and application contexts. The material was analyzed first, using qualitative content analysis, and second, a frequency analysis was conducted. In order to ensure inter-rater reliability, Cohen's kappa was calculated. The results are consistent with research and showed that CRM in German-speaking countries is mainly based on the same principles, and training is conducted similarly. However, CRM is not widespread yet and requires consistent standards. Improvement in behavior in everyday professional life after training sessions have been observed, but no clear evidence of effectiveness on the outcome of the training has been provided to this point. Utilizing this study, German-speaking CRM applicants can compare their training implementation with that of the presented sample. This study is the first to assess the current implementation and effectiveness of CRM in German-speaking countries from the perspective of different disciplines and professions in the medical sector.