Crisis Resource Management in medical graduation: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Introduction: Emergency medical care is a complex situation in which the patient needs safe and high-quality care. To avoid errors, physicians must have both technical knowledge and nontechnical competencies. Crisis Resource Management (CRM) is a training method created in aviation that has gained wide use in several medical settings. CRM aims to reduce errors, ensure more effective care, and improve CRM competencies. Objective: This study aimed to compare the performance of medical students in simulated emergency care before and after undergoing a structured debriefing on CRM. Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical, and quasi-experimental study evaluated participants before and after undergoing a debriefing on CRM. The participants received prior training on technical competencies for leveling. Technical and nontechnical competencies were assessed using two different forms. A descriptive analysis was performed, and continuous variables with normal distribution were compared using Student’s t test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Twenty-one medical students were included in the study. Technical competencies were assessed as a team and showed improvement, but with no significant variation. CRM competencies were assessed individually; most items had a significantly increased mean score after CRM training, with statistically significant differences. Conclusion: The debriefing as a tool for CRM training is able to improve nontechnical competencies in teams, which has an important impact on improving the quality of care and patient safety during emergency care.