Does Crew Resource Management (CRM) Training Work in Health Care?

Abstract

Due to the success of CRM training in aviation at improving the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of trainees, CRM training has been adapted and implemented in a number of domains beyond aviation. In this paper, we chose to focus on the health care community's efforts because of the high risk and frequency of errors in this domain. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is threefold. First, we turned to the literature to identify and gather the training evaluation efforts being conducted in the health care community. Fifteen studies were identified. Next, we analyzed the research to determine the effectiveness of the CRM training efforts. As the effectiveness of training was not as positive as hoped, we conclude with several observations that may be hindering the effectiveness of their training efforts.