ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare differences in observed and self-reported team dynamics between those who received versus those who did not receive TeamSTEPPS training prior to an interprofessional escape room scenario. METHODS: Final-year pharmacy (N = 27) and physician assistant (N = 88) students participated in an escape room featuring pediatric dosing, asthma, otitis media, type 1 diabetes, and vaccine fundamentals. In total, 29 teams were randomized to control (14) or intervention arm (15). The control group went to the escape room and then returned to the classroom for a team-building module including TeamSTEPPS training. The intervention group started with the team-building module then went to the escape room. One faculty observer was assigned to each team and utilized the Performance Assessment Communication and Teamwork (PACT) expert-observer form to assess team performance. Post-event, students completed an abbreviated PACT post-assessment and a self-reflection on the prompt "What were the most important takeaways from today's interprofessional education experience?" RESULTS: On the PACT expert-observer form, significantly higher global scores were noted for the intervention arm on all items except situation monitoring. On the aggregate observer data from all stations, leadership emerged as statistically different between the 2 groups. On the PACT post-assessment, the intervention arm reported significantly more leadership during the simulation. On the self-reflections, 70.9% versus 64% in the control arm recognized the importance of teamwork in managing patients. CONCLUSIONS: Just-in-time TeamSTEPPS training improved observed and to a lesser extent, self-reported teamwork and communication skills. Incorporating TeamSTEPPS training immediately prior to an interprofessional education experience may enhance team performance.
