Developing teamwork skills in baccalaureate nursing students: impact of TeamSTEPPS^® training and simulation

Abstract

Objectives Examine the impact of TeamSTEPPS® training and simulation experiences on student knowledge and teamwork attitudes in a baccalaureate-nursing program. Methods This study used a quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test design. The intervention included a workshop followed by 2 days of simulation experiences. Participants included a total of 46 nursing students. Instruments included the TeamSTEPPS learning benchmark and the Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire (T-TAQ). Results Scores on the learning benchmark increased following the intervention. In addition, changes in subscores of teamwork strategies, leadership, situation monitoring, and mutual support on the T-TAQ indicate an improvement in student attitudes toward teamwork. Conclusions Incorporating TeamSTEPPS® strategies into undergraduate education can be effective in increasing student knowledge and improving attitudes toward interdisciplinary teamwork.