Evaluation of teamwork assessment tools for interprofessional simulation: a systematic literature review

ABSTRACT

There is growing evidence supporting the use of simulation-based education to improve teamwork in the clinical environment, which results in improved patient outcomes. Interprofessional simulation improves awareness of professional roles and responsibilities, promotes teamwork and provides training in non-technical skills. Tools have been developed to assess the quality of teamwork during simulation, but the use of these tools should be supported by validity evidence in appropriate contexts. This study aims to assess the validity of teamwork tools used in simulation-based interprofessional training for healthcare workers and students, and to compare the design and reporting of these studies. Medline, EMBASE, ERIC, and CINAHL were searched using terms synonymous with simulation, crew resource management, training, assessment, interprofessional, and teamwork, from 2007–2017. Interprofessional healthcare simulation studies involving objectively rated teamwork training were included. The initial search provided 356 records for review, of which 24 were ultimately included. Three tools demonstrated good validity evidence underpinning their use. However, three studies did not explore tool psychometrics at all, and the quality of reporting amongst these studies on design and participant demographics was variable. Further research to generate reporting guidelines and validate existing tools for new populations would be beneficial.

KEYWORDS:

• Teamwork
• team effectiveness
• interprofessional research
• systematic review
• education

Acknowledgments

Study completed as part of a Masters Dissertation in Clinical Education at Plymouth University.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

E.L. Wooding

Dr E.L. Wooding, BMBS, is Academic Clinical Fellow in Paediatrics at Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Masters student at Peninsula Medical School.

T.C. Gale

Dr T.C. Gale, BMBS, FRCA, MClinEd, is Consultant Anaesthetist at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Director of Assessment at the Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth University.

V. Maynard

Dr V. Maynard, PhD, is Associate Head of School (Postgraduate Medical Education) at Peninsula Medical School.