@article{8678, author = {Niraj L. Sehgal and Michael Fox and Arpana Vidyarthi and Bradley Sharpe and Susan Gearhart and Thomas Bookwalter and Jack Barker and Brian K. Alldredge and Mary A. Blegen and Robert Wachter and Triad for Optimal Patient Safety Project}, title = {A multidisciplinary teamwork training program: the Triad for Optimal Patient Safety (TOPS) experience.}, abstract = {

INTRODUCTION: Communication and teamwork failures are a common cause of adverse events. Residency programs, with a mandate to teach systems-based practice, are particularly challenged to address these important skills.

AIM: To develop a multidisciplinary teamwork training program focused on teaching teamwork behaviors and communication skills.

SETTING: Internal medicine residents, hospitalists, nurses, pharmacists, and all other staff on a designated inpatient medical unit at an academic medical center.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: We developed a 4-h teamwork training program as part of the Triad for Optimal Patient Safety (TOPS) project. Teaching strategies combined didactic presentation, facilitated discussion using a safety trigger video, and small-group scenario-based exercises to practice effective communication skills and team behaviors. Development, planning, implementation, delivery, and evaluation of TOPS Training was conducted by a multidisciplinary team.

PROGRAM EVALUATION: We received 203 evaluations with a mean overall rating for the training of 4.49 +/- 0.79 on a 1-5 scale. Participants rated the multidisciplinary educational setting highly at 4.59 +/- 0.68.

DISCUSSION: We developed a multidisciplinary teamwork training program that was highly rated by all participating disciplines. The key was creating a shared forum to learn about and discuss interdisciplinary communication and teamwork.

}, year = {2008}, journal = {J Gen Intern Med}, volume = {23}, pages = {2053-7}, month = {12/2008}, issn = {1525-1497}, doi = {10.1007/s11606-008-0793-8}, language = {eng}, }