Transfer of crew resource management training

Abstract

PurposeThe IOM report “To Err is Human” recommended Crew Resource Management (CRM) training to improve patient safety and teamwork in health care. However, the effectiveness of CRM training in health care is uncertain; this study aims to identify the effect of CRM training on communication and decision making, processes that are associated with better teamwork and patient safety.Design/methodology/approachEmployees in two intensive care units at a US academic medical center, one with high training penetration (67 percent trained) and one with low penetration (27 percent), were observed and interviewed about CRM principles and teamwork.FindingsThe paper found differences between the units in communication and decision making; it argues that these processes are mediating processes necessary for the effective transfer of CRM training to improvement of safety outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThis study adds to the growing literature concerning health care quality interventions.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that high levels of training concentration are needed, along with incentives for implementation of CRM principles to maximize effectiveness.Originality/valueThis study adds value to the literature by examining the processes mediating CRM training and its intended patient safety outcomes.