Operating Room Team Training with Simulation: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Nontechnical skills (NTS) such as teamwork and communication play an important role in preventing adverse outcomes in the operating room (OR). Simulation-based OR team training focused on these skills provides an environment where team members can learn with and from one another. We sought to conduct a systematic review to identify simulation-based approaches to NTS training for surgical teams.

Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, ERIC, and the Cochrane Database using keywords and MeSH terms for studies describing simulation-based training for OR teams, including members from surgery, anesthesia, and nursing in September 2016. Information on the simulations, participants, and NTS assessments were abstracted from the articles meeting our search criteria.

Results: We identified 10 published articles describing simulation-based OR team-training programs focused on NTS. The primary focus of these programs was on communication, teamwork, leadership, and situation awareness. Only four of the programs used a validated instrument to assess the NTS of the individuals or teams participating in the simulations.

Discussion: Simulation-based OR team-training programs provide opportunities for NTS development and reflection by participants. Future programs could benefit from involving the full range of disciplines and professions that compose an OR team, as well as increased use of validated assessment instruments.