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RACS ASC 2024

Strengthening Surgical Teams: The Role of Team-Based Training, Socialization, and Wellbeing Enhancement in the Operating Room

Poster

Presentation Description

Institution: Sunshine Coast University Hospital - QLD, Australia

Efficient teamwork in the operating room is pivotal for patient safety and the wellbeing of healthcare professionals. This review underscores the significance of team-based training and socialization through activities like coffee breaks and formal events. These practices enhance communication, reinforce team bonds, and contribute to the reduction of burnout rates. Real examples of bonding activities, as well as recommendations for their implementation, will be listed. Within the high-stakes operating room environment, team bonding exercises, such as emergency simulations and cross-training, promote trust and a sense of unity. They improve preparedness and teamwork by emphasizing shared responsibilities. Furthermore, fostering social interactions among team members, whether informally during meal breaks or formally through work-related parties and educational evenings, creates a supportive atmosphere. These interactions enable team members to establish rapport, gain insights into each other's strengths and weaknesses, and diminish hierarchical barriers. Consequently, they encourage open communication and provide crucial support networks, which help mitigate burnout risks. In conclusion, the elevation of team-based training in the operating room is imperative for optimizing patient care and safety while nurturing the collegiality and wellbeing of healthcare professionals. A diverse range of activities, both structured and informal, offers invaluable opportunities to enhance teamwork, communication, and trust among surgical teams. These efforts cultivate a more resilient and harmonious surgical community, better prepared to deliver exceptional patient care while prioritizing the wellbeing of its members.

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