Integrating Team Training in the Pediatric Life Support Program: An Effective and Efficient Approach?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of integrating teamwork training into an established Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) program to assess the effect on teamwork and collaboration among interprofessionals.

BACKGROUND: Lack of teamwork and ineffective communication are common contributors to hospital sentinel events. Interprofessional teamwork training to support a culture of patient safety is advocated; however, training methods and related expenses vary widely.

METHODS: This study used a descriptive design. All participants received PALS recertification training; the intervention group received an additional 2-hour TeamSTEPPS (R) 2.0 Essentials curriculum with didactic and video critique including role-play on error, communication behaviors, and standard terms. Data were collected on perceptions of teamwork and collaboration. χ, Mann-Whitney U, and t tests were used.

RESULTS: The intervention group reported significantly higher perceptions of teamwork and collaboration, situational awareness, and ability to help a team make decisions.

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that integrating brief team training into an existing PALS program is a feasible, cost-effective, and sustainable method to provide interprofessional team training and positively influence the culture of safety.