From the flight deck to the operating room: an initial pilot study of the feasibility and potential impact of true interdisciplinary team training using high-fidelity simulation.

Background: The operating room is a dynamic environment in which proper teamwork is essential. After piloting a simulation-based interdisciplinary operative team training program, we examined the impact of these sessions on the participants.

Methods: Three interdisciplinary operating room teams participated in the training model. Each team of 3 or 4 members completed the training in a virtual minimally invasive operating room using a standardized operative scenario. Upon completion of the training, participants completed a voluntary and anonymous training effectiveness questionnaire.

Results: All 10 participants completed the training evaluation questionnaires. Across the 3 teams, all participants felt that the training was worthwhile and would participate again. Eight participants said that the session would change their practices in the operating room. All participants felt that the session was effective in promoting team communication skills and crisis-related teamwork. Nine of the 10 felt that the training model was effective in recognizing operating room errors.

Conclusions: Implementing true interdisciplinary team training with a high-fidelity simulation can be accomplished effectively. Team training has the potential for facilitating positive behavioral changes in operating room personnel that are important for adaptive team function in a crisis situation.