New Hires: Utilizing TeamSTEPPS for Communication and Teamwork

Abstract : Student workers play a role in day-to-day tasks of many simulation centers. However, little is known about the hiring process and daily oversight of student workers. The purpose of this project was to quickly identify like-minded student workers during an interview and foster communication within the simulation team.

TeamSTEPPS, widely recognized to improve team communication in healthcare settings, was a framework to create team-centered, standardized interview questions. Our student worker candidates answered questions about communication, leadership, and mutual support - crucial for effective teamwork. Once hired, the lab administrator discussed TeamSTEPPS framed "Cultural Norms" when working with our team. The students were provided a daily “check list” to help direct independent work and reduce Lab Administrator’s time spent to assign tasks.

Integration of TeamSTEPPS principles into the hiring process reduced interview times from 30 minutes to 20 minutes on average, allowed any member of the team to lead the interview, and produced strong internal consistency with team members’ ratings of candidates. The "Cultural Norms" document eliminated questions about break times, cell phone usage, and attire. The daily checklist improved student worker communication and clear expectations about their activities that day. Simulation team evaluation showed reduced student worker downtime, increased job satisfaction, reduced conflicts, and enhanced overall team performance.

TeamSTEPPS has implications for enhancing the student worker interviews and daily work. Both the "Cultural Norms" and daily checklist proved successful in fostering effective teamwork. This approach can serve as a model for improving hiring process and onboarding in other simulation centers.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: TeamSTEPPS has implications for enhancing the student worker interviews and daily work. Both the "Cultural Norms" and daily checklist proved successful in fostering effective teamwork. This approach can serve as a model for improving hiring process and onboarding in other simulation centers.