Task management skills and their deficiencies during care delivery in simulated medical emergency situation: A classification

SummaryObjectivesOur objective was to develop the analysis of task management skills by proposing a framework classifying task management stages and deficiencies. Few studies of non-technical skills have detailed the components of task management skills through behavioural markers, despite their central role in care delivery.Research methodology/designA post hoc qualitative behavioural analysis was performed of recordings made of professional training sessions based upon simulated scenarios.SettingFour recorded sessions in a high-fidelity simulation setting were observed and recorded. Two scenarios were used (cardiac arrest and respiratory failure), and there were two training sessions per scenario.Main outcomes measuresFour types of task management deficiencies were identified with regards to task constraints: constraint relaxation, unsatisfied constraints, additional constraints and constraint transgression. Both equipment and space constraints were also identified.ResultsThe lack of prerequisite actions when preparing the environment, corequisite actions for equipment and protocol monitoring, or postrequisite actions to restore the environment were associated with task management deficiencies.ConclusionDeficiencies in task management behaviours can be identified in simulated as well as actual medical emergency settings. This framework opens perspectives for both training caregivers and designing ergonomic work situations.