Safer paediatric surgical teams: A 5-year evaluation of crew resource management implementation and outcomes

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate longitudinal changes in technical and non-technical skills (teamwork, situation monitoring, communication and leadership), safety culture, and clinical outcomes before and after implementation of a crew resource management (CRM) safety program.

Design: A multi-level prospective single case study in accordance with the SQUIRE-guidelines for reporting quality improvement efforts.

Setting: Large university paediatric surgical service.

Participant(s): All 153 managers and staff.

Interventions: Training of staff in CRM, systematic risk assessments, and the redesign of work practices captured and reinforced through the development, implementation and refinement of SOPs.

Main outcome measure(s): Data were collected related to: 1) Relevance of CRM training (survey), 2) Safety culture (survey), 3) Team behaviours in clinical practice (non-participatory observations with MedPACT protocol) and 4) Effects on perioperative care for laparoscopic appendectomies-a representative and frequently performed surgical procedure (electronic medical records and administrative data for length of stay, unplanned readmissions and returns to the Operating Room).

Results: Non-technical skills, the use of safety tools, as well as adherence to guidelines for appendectomies all improved significantly over time. Significant safety culture improvements were found in teamwork across and within units, supervisors' expectations and actions, non-punitive response to adverse events, and perceptions of overall patient safety. Unplanned readmissions following appendectomy declined significantly.

Conclusions: Implementation of a comprehensive CRM program including associated safety tools created sustained adherence to new work practices and improved non-technical and technical skills, surgical outcomes and safety culture.

Keywords: clinical process redesign; crew resource management; paediatric surgery; safety culture; surgical safety checklist.