ABSTRACT

Crisis resource management (CRM) refers to the set of non-technical skills such as leadership, task distribution, communication, anticipation, calling for help, and workload distribution required during crisis for effective teamwork. Currently, there is no formal training for healthcare workers at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH). The leaders of KAUH along with those of the Clinical Skills & Simulation Center sought to develop a simulation-based training program as a continuous effort to improve interprofessional training and patient safety.

In this quasi-experimental study, we developed a simulation-based program consisting of four phases: Needs assessment via mock codes, “Train the Trainer” course, CRM courses, and post-program evaluation via mock codes. Pre-tests and post-tests were performed in each course.

Phase one: Twenty-five healthcare workers participated in four mock codes; using an internally developed checklist, the average score was 46% of checklist items. Phase two: Eighteen potential instructors attended the “Train the Trainer” course, and average pre-test and post-test scores were 31% and 61%, respectively. Ten instructors participated in the following courses. Phase three: Ten CRM courses conducted for 184 healthcare workers with different backgrounds. Pre-test and post-test cumulative scores were 48% and 64% (p=0.0008), respectively. Phase four: average score for all four mock codes was 76% compared to 46% in the needs assessment phase (p=0.0003).

Simulation-based training is an effective tool for the application of CRM principles. It might lead to improvements in patient safety and reduction in human errors. An organization’s leadership is essential to ensure the successful implementation of the program.