Within healthcare, there is growing evidence regarding the impact of simulation-based team training (SBTT) on important outcomes (Gaba et al., 2001; Sica, 1999; Wallin et al., 2007). The high cost of SBTT in terms of both operations and staffing resources are often barriers to reaping the benefits of such immersive training technology. It is not uncommon for trainees to only experience one SBTT scenario per year, limiting opportunities for directed practice and targeted feedback. The instructional design and training literatures underscore the importance of multiple opportunities for practice, quality feedback, and psychological fidelity in achieving transfer of trained skills to the performance environment (Aguinis & Kraiger, 2009; Salas & Rosen, 2008).
Our study examined whether participating in an SBTT session prior to didactic classroom-training significantly improves team performance in a follow-up simulation scenario. Simulation-based training is commonly conducted following a didactic, lecture-based training session. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether using SBTT as an advanced organizer prior to classroom instruction helps to develop higher levels of team performance. Specifically, teams who participate in SBTT prior to classroom training have the opportunity to diagnose performance issues early, helping to pinpoint opportunities for improvement.
Data were collected on US Forward Surgical Teams (FSTs), the US Army's highly mobile surgical asset designed to provide surgery in the far forward battle area, who participated in a 14-day pre-deployment training program. Simulation data were collected across several large FST training classes who completed the simulation sessions as part of 11 smaller sub-teams (5 trainees per team) in order to mirror the true conditions of deployment operations. Teams who participated in an SBT scenario before didactic training demonstrated significantly better communication and leadership. Additionally, teams who completed an SBTT session prior to classroom training demonstrated significant performance improvements over time.