Performance teamwork training in ambulatory oncology.

Abstract

e16559 Background: Increasingly complex diagnostic and multimodality treatment algorithms have yielded superior outcomes, but also magnified the risk for adverse events precipitated by failures of communication and coordination. We implemented team training principles in 14 outpatient oncology practices across 3 campuses (community and academic) to reduce the risk of errors and increase operational efficiency and quality. Methods: Over 950 physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and staff were trained in evidence-based concepts of teamwork. Intervention included 1) baseline data collection regarding key clinical processes, (e.g. non-communication of same-day chemotherapy order changes); 2) observations/interviews with care team members; 3) process meetings to identify vulnerabilities and develop agreements and tools to support them; 4) Train the Trainer methodology; 5) staff training; 6) post-training data collection. Results: Despite the infrequency of non-communicated same-day changes in chemotherapy orders at baseline (~2%), a trend toward improvement was seen (chi-square p=0.068). The incidence of missing chemotherapy orders for infusion visits not associated with an MD visit decreased significantly. Staff reported improved practice efficiencies and a more respectful, safer environment. Press Ganey patient-reported perceptions of teamwork improved significantly. Conclusions: Team training improved communication, task coordination, perceptions of efficiency, quality, safety and interactions among team members, as well as patient perception of teamwork in both community and academic environments of a comprehensive cancer center. [Table: see text]