Optimization of performance and safety in the operating room: Case study of the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris with SafeTeam Academy
Introduction
In the field of healthcare, excellence in care and patient safety are constant imperatives. To achieve these goals, the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris (IMM) has partnered with SafeTeam Academy to deploy an innovative training initiative for operating room professionals. This approach, focused on immersive simulation and constructive debriefing, has enabled participants to consolidate their skills, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and develop a concrete action plan to continuously improve the performance and humanization of the operating room....
Context and challenges of the training
The operating room is a highly technical environment where each participant plays a critical role in the success of procedures and patient safety. The complexity of the procedures, the diversity of specialties, and time pressure require seamless coordination and effective communication between teams....
The IMM, aware of these key issues, wanted to invest in innovative training for its operating room teams. This initiative is part of an overall approach to continuous improvement of the quality and safety of care, placing the human factor at the heart of its concerns...
Training objectives
The training implemented by SafeTeam Academy aimed to achieve several key objectives...:
- Continuous improvement: Establish a dynamic of continuous improvement of professional practices in order to offer the best possible care to patients.
- Human factor: Valuing collective intelligence, active listening and the sharing of experience between professionals to strengthen team cohesion and efficiency.
- Creating links: Strengthening inter-professional relations, encouraging the development of non-technical skills (NTC), improving communication and promoting mutual support within the operating theatre.
Training schedule and methodology
The training was structured around two complementary phases, promoting active learning and the practical application of knowledge:
1. Video-simulation training: Participants completed an e-learning module incorporating immersive simulation scenarios. This innovative educational approach recreates realistic clinical scenarios, confronting professionals with complex situations and encouraging them to make informed decisions....
2. Collective debriefing: Following the simulation, participants benefited from a collective debriefing led by SafeTeam Academy experts. This space for exchange and reflection made it possible to analyze individual and collective practices, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and co-construct a concrete action plan adapted to the specificities of the IMM operating room.... The debriefing philosophy was based on fundamental principles such as benevolence, mutual listening, collaboration, co-construction, and non-judgment....
Proposed training modules
Three separate training modules were offered, targeting specific OR issues and bringing together various professionals such as IBODEs, IADEs, anesthetists and surgeons:
- Checklist & teamwork in the operating room
◦ This module aimed to optimize the use of the surgical checklist as a team, improve the reliability of communication, encourage the expression of concerns and effectively prevent and manage task interruptions.... In particular, participants stressed the importance of communication for patient safety, and the need to tailor questions to patients....
- Strengthening crisis management in robotic surgery
◦ The aim of this module was to enable participants to anticipate threats and risks of error in robotic surgery, to structure and secure teamwork, and to develop their clinical reasoning and situational awareness in emergency situations.... The importance of communication and the designation of a "friendly surgeon" in the event of difficulty was emphasized....
- Cardio respiratory arrest during anesthetic induction
◦ This module focused on the optimal management of cardiopulmonary arrest in the operating room, following the recommendations of ERC 2021 and SFAR. Participants worked on workload management, leadership and followership, as well as the importance of closed-loop communication and rapid designation of a leader....
Analysis of participant feedback
Participants expressed overall satisfaction with the quality and relevance of the training.... They particularly appreciated:
- The interactive, immersive format of video-simulation, which allows for realistic, real-life situations....
- The relevance of the scenarios proposed, which reflect the challenges encountered on a daily basis in the operating theatre....
-The opportunity to compare practices with those of other professionals, encouraging exchange and mutual learning.
- The quality of exchanges during group debriefings, which enable in-depth analysis of situations and co-construction of solutions....
-Training is available at any time, so participants can easily fit it into their schedules.
However, some weaknesses have also been identified and taken into account to improve future sessions...:
- The length of the training course, sometimes considered a little long by some participants....
- The wording of certain test questions/answers, perceived as ambiguous or lacking in clarity....
- Some users have difficulty navigating the platform....
- Lack of time and quiet to carry out training in the workplace, underlining the need to set aside time for ongoing training....
Action plans and prospects for improvement
Following the collective debriefings, the participants developed concrete action plans aimed at improving performance and safety within their teams.... These actions include:
- Improving communication and teamwork, using closed-loop communication techniques and encouraging the expression of concerns....
- Systematize use of the surgical checklist at every stage of the operation, adapting it to the specific features of each specialty and involving all team members....
- The introduction of regular crisis management simulations, enabling teams to train to react effectively to emergency situations....
- Adapting cognitive aids to the structure and specificities of the operating theatre, by defining clear roles and training in their routine use....
- Defining the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in an emergency situation, designating a clearly identifiable leader and promoting communication and coordination....
Conclusion
The training initiative led by SafeTeam Academy at the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris was a resounding success, mobilizing 138 professionals from the operating room. Thanks to an innovative and participatory pedagogical approach, this training strengthened team skills, improved interdisciplinary collaboration, and built together a concrete action plan for an operating room that is safer, more efficient, and more human....
SafeTeam Academy is proud of this fruitful collaboration with the IMM, and reaffirms its commitment to supporting healthcare facilities in their drive for continuous improvement in the quality of care and patient safety. By investing in the training and skills development of their teams, healthcare establishments can create a safer, more efficient and more rewarding working environment for all professionals, while offering the best possible care to patients.
