Simulation-based Teamwork Training (SBTT)

Context
Non-technical skills such as leadership, communication, or situation awareness should lead to effective teamwork in a crisis. This study aimed to analyse the role of these skills in the emotional response of health professionals to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, 48 doctors and 48 nurses participated in a simulation-based teamwork training program based on teaching non-technical skills through simulation. In May 2020, this group of professionals from a COVID-19 referral hospital was invited to participate in a survey exploring stress, anxiety, and depression, using the PSS-14 (Perceived Stress Scale) and the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) measures. A control group that did not receive the training was included. We conducted a logistic regression to assess whether having attended a simulation-based teamwork training program modified the probability of presenting psychological distress (PSS-14 > 18 or HADS> 12).

Results
A total of 141 healthcare professionals were included, 77 in the intervention group and 64 in the control group. Based on the PSS-14, 70.1% of the intervention group and 75% of the control group (p = 0.342) had symptoms of stress. Having contact with COVID-19 patients [OR 4.16(1.64–10.52)]; having minors in charge [OR 2.75 (1.15–6.53)]; working as a doctor [0.39(0.16–0.95)], and being a woman [OR 2.94(1.09–7.91)] were related with PSS14 symptoms. Based on the HADS, 54.6% of the intervention group and 42.2% of the control group (p = 0.346) had symptoms of anxiety or depression. Having contact with COVID-19 patients [OR 2.17(1.05–4.48)] and having minors in charge [OR 2.14(1.06–4.32)] were related to HADS symptoms. Healthcare professionals who attended COVID-19 patients showed higher levels of anxiety and depression [OR 2.56(1.03–6.36) (p = 0.043)].

Conclusion
Healthcare professionals trained in non-technical skills through simulation tended towards higher levels of anxiety and depression and fewer levels of stress, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rank: 90

First Author: Beneria

Outcome: Stress,Depression,Anxiety

Outcome p-value: Stress:●, Depression:●, Anxiety:●

Intervention Category: Coping Skills Development

Time per Employee (hours): 25

Hours per Employee: 25

D&B Study Quality Rating: 12

Reviewer Confidence: 2

Country: Spain

Study Design Type: Quasi-experimental

Materials Available to Implement: Intervention described in manuscript. Corresponding author: jbaneras@vhebron.net

Organiz./Individ. Focus: Individual

Prevention Category: Secondary

Effect size Small:

Effect size Medium:

Reference: Beneria, A., Arnedo, M., Contreras, S., Perez-Carrasco, M., Garcia-Ruiz, I., Rodriguez-Carballeira, M., Radua, J., & Rius, J. B. (2020). Impact of simulation-based teamwork training on COVID-19 distress in healthcare professionals. BMC MedicalEducation, 20(1), 515. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-02427-4