Optimizing Performance and Safety in the Operating Room: A Case Study of the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris in Collaboration with SafeTeam Academy

Introduction

In the healthcare sector, excellence in care and patient safety are constant priorities. To achieve these goals, the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris (IMM) partnered with SafeTeam Academy to implement an innovative training initiative for operating room professionals. This approach, centered on immersive simulation and constructive debriefing, enabled participants to build on their skills, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and develop a concrete action plan aimed at continuously improving the performance and patient-centered care in the operating room.....

Context and Challenges of the Training

The operating room is a highly technical environment where every member of the team plays a crucial role in the success of procedures and patient safety. The complexity of the procedures, the diversity of specialties, and the time constraints require seamless coordination and effective communication between teams.....

Recognizing these key challenges, IMM decided to invest in innovative training for its operating room teams. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy for continuous improvement in the quality and safety of care, placing the human factor at the center of its priorities…

Training Objectives

The training program implemented by SafeTeam Academy was designed to achieve several key objectives...:

•Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement in professional practices in order to provide the best possible care to patients.

•Human Factor: Promote collective intelligence, active listening, and the sharing of experiences among professionals to strengthen team cohesion and effectiveness.

•Building Relationships: Strengthen interprofessional relationships, encourage the development of non-technical skills (NTS), improve communication, and promote mutual support within the operating room team.

Training Structure and Methodology

The training was structured around two complementary phases, designed to promote active learning and the practical application of knowledge:

1.Training via Video Simulation: Participants completed an e-learning module that included immersive simulation scenarios. This innovative teaching approach enables the recreation of realistic clinical scenarios, exposing professionals to complex situations and encouraging them to make informed decisions.....

2.Group Debriefing: Following the simulation, participants took part in a group debriefing facilitated by experts from SafeTeam Academy. This opportunity for discussion and reflection allowed for the analysis of individual and collective practices, the identification of strengths and areas for improvement, and the collaborative development of a concrete action plan tailored to the specific characteristics of the IMM operating room.... The debriefing philosophy was based on fundamental principles such as kindness, active listening, collaboration, co-construction, and non-judgment.....

Training Modules Offered

Three distinct training modules were offered, addressing specific issues in the operating room and bringing together various professionals such as scrub nurses, nurse anesthetists, anesthesiologists, and surgeons:

•“Checklists & Teamwork in the Operating Room”

◦ This module aimed to optimize the team’s use of the surgical checklist, improve the reliability of communication, encourage the expression of concerns, and effectively prevent and manage task interruptions.... Participants highlighted the importance of communication for patient safety and the need to tailor questions to patients.....

• "Strengthening crisis management in robotic surgery"

◦ This module was designed to help participants anticipate threats and risks of error in robotic surgery, to organize and ensure effective teamwork, and to develop their clinical reasoning and situational awareness in emergency situations..... The importance of communication and designating a "friendly surgeon" in case of difficulty was emphasized.....

• "Cardiorespiratory Arrest During Anesthetic Induction"

◦ This module focused on the optimal management of cardiac arrest in the operating room, in accordance with the 2021 recommendations of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and the French Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (SFAR). Participants addressed workload management, leadership and followership, as well as the importance of closed-loop communication and the 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 and immersive format of the video simulation, which enables a concrete and realistic simulation....

• The relevance of the proposed scenarios, which reflect the challenges encountered daily in the operating room....

• The opportunity to compare their practices with those of other professionals, thereby fostering exchange and mutual learning.

• The quality of the discussions during the group debriefings, which allow for an in-depth analysis of situations and the collaborative development of solutions....

• The training is available at any time, allowing participants to easily fit it into their schedules.

However, some weaknesses were also identified and taken into account to improve future sessions...:

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• The wording of some test questions and answers, which is perceived as ambiguous or unclear.....

• Some users are having trouble navigating the platform.....

• The lack of time and quiet to complete training in the workplace, highlighting the need to set aside dedicated time slots for continuing education.....

Action Plans and Prospects for Improvement

Following the group debriefings, participants developed concrete action plans aimed at improving performance and safety within their teams..... These actions include:

• Improving communication and teamwork by using closed-loop communication techniques and encouraging the expression of concerns....

• Systematizing the use of the surgical checklist at each stage of the procedure, tailoring it to the specific needs of each specialty, and involving all team members....

• Conducting regular crisis management drills, allowing teams to practice responding effectively to emergency situations....

• Adapting cognitive aids to the structure and specific characteristics of the operating room by defining clear roles and practicing their routine use....

• Defining the roles and responsibilities of each person in an emergency situation, by designating a clearly identifiable leader and promoting communication and coordination....

Conclusion

The training initiative conducted by SafeTeam Academy at the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris was a resounding success, bringing together 138 operating room professionals. Thanks to an innovative and participatory teaching approach, this training strengthened team skills, improved interdisciplinary collaboration, and enabled the joint development of a concrete action plan for an ever safer, more efficient, and more humane operating room....

SafeTeam Academy is proud of this fruitful collaboration with the IMM and reaffirms its commitment to supporting healthcare facilities in their ongoing efforts to improve the quality of care and patient safety. By investing in the training and professional development of their teams, healthcare facilities can create a safer, more efficient, and more rewarding work environment for all professionals, while providing the best possible care to patients.