A multifaceted, multidisciplinary team training program, sponsored by Clinical Excellence Queensland, is using ‘real life’ scenarios in operating theatres to improve team communication and service delivery.
The Rural Perioperative Team Training Program was developed by our Statewide Anaesthesia and Perioperative Care Clinical Network (SWAPNet) to support the delivery of safe perioperative care in rural and remote facilities across Queensland. Multidisciplinary faculty teams volunteer their time to support their rural colleagues, with Dr Mark Gibbs, Dr James Ware, Ms Fiona Newman and Ms Celia Fletcher, supported by Ms Karen Hamilton (SWAPNet Coordinator), Ms Sandra Thornton and Mr Georg Auer (Clinical Skills Development Service SIM Coordinators) travelling to Longreach this month to deliver the program.
A total of 24 Longreach Hospital staff including rural generalists, anaesthetists, surgeons, obstetricians, perioperative nurses, midwives and wardspersons (pictured below), participated in the scenario-based training program. Over two consecutive days technical and non-technical skills and team communication were put to the test with real-life situations including:
- can’t intubate/can’t oxygenate
- management of haemorrhage
- management of anaphylaxis
- management of sedation.
Dr David Walker, Executive Director Medical Services, Central West Hospital and Health Service donned his theatre scrubs to gain first-hand insight into the value of the program. “I am exceptionally appreciative to the SWAPNet team for coming out to the Central West to provide this training ‘in house’. Being able to simulate stress-invoking situations and work on strengthening aspects of our teamwork and communication in our home environment has been enormously valuable. My theatre staff in its entirety have benefited from this training,” Dr Walker said.
Longreach Hospital was the third of 17 sites set to receive the training by the end of the year.
For further information visit our website or contact SWAPNet.
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