Multidisciplinary simulation training for Australian perioperative teams: A qualitative descriptive exploratory study

Background: Perioperative units are complex and high-risk environments where teams of multidisciplinary health care professionals work collaboratively. Multidisciplinary simulation training is a form of education that allows perioperative teams to practise the non-technical and technical skills essential for managing emergency events within the perioperative environment. Despite the benefits of multidisciplinary simulation training, there is a paucity of literature about it; therefore, this study examined the experiences of Australian multidisciplinary perioperative team members who had undertaken simulation training. Objectives: This study examined the experiences of Australian multidisciplinary perioperative team members who had undertaken multidisciplinary simulation training with the aim of: identifying the enablers of and/or barriers to multidisciplinary simulation training gaining insight into the frequency of training and types of scenarios used during simulation training exploring the potential changes to teamwork and communication following multidisciplinary simulation training. Design: A qualitative descriptive exploratory design was adopted. Methods: Data were collected from nursing and anaesthetic participants through individual interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes and nine subthemes were identified within the data. The themes were simulation is educational, safe space, frequency and teamwork. The subthemes were emergency scenarios, practise skills and knowledge, training novice and inexperiencedstaff, fear of simulation, facilitators, debriefing, available facilities, staff availability and multidisciplinarity. Conclusion: Australian perioperative teams widely used multidisciplinary simulation training to practise the technical skills needed to manage emergencies consistently. However, the frequency was variable and dependent on the availability of staff and facilities. A ‘safe space’ was vital, allowing perioperative team members to engage in training and discussions without judgement or embarrassment. Multidisciplinary simulation training is an effective training technique and should be routinely undertaken by Australian perioperative teams to develop consistency in managing emergency events within the perioperative setting.