Team training can improve operating room performance

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to determine if team training using a federally sponsored team training program improves operating room (OR) performance and culture. Methods: The TeamSTEPPS program, a team training program designed and tested for health care applications, was provided to the OR staff. The training occurred over 2 months to all members of the OR team, including scrub technicians, nurses, certified registered nurse anesthetists, anesthesiologists, surgeons, and all anesthesiology and surgical resident staff. Results: After 9 months, there was a significant improvement in the OR staff team work (score 53.2 to 62.7; P