Transforming the Operating Room Team Through Simulation Training

The operating room (OR) is a highly dynamic work environment in which effective teamwork is essential for patient safety. Unfortunately, current team function in the OR is less than ideal. Too often, it is characterized by poor communication and disruptive behavior. The field of human factors studies the interaction of man with his environment. Adapting principles from it to the OR can help improve teamwork. High fidelity simulation is a powerful tool in teaching and improving how interdisciplinary OR teams work together. Bringing simulation to the point of care has many advantages. We have developed a portable simulation system, the mobile mock operating room, for implementing interdisciplinary team training at the point of care.