Fostering a Collaborative Culture in Anesthesia Care

Communication and teamwork are key to positive patient outcomes throughout the perioperative process. A collaborative culture is based on mutual respect, open communication and shared goals. Additionally, the development of a collaborative culture results from the deliberate actions of anesthesia team members. Here, we’ll explore how to foster a collaborative culture in anesthesia care and how doing so can provide the best possible outcomes for your patients.

The Value of Teamwork in Anesthesia Care

Teamwork in anesthesia is vital to helping patients move safely through anesthesia.

When an environment of collaboration is created in anesthesiology, benefits can include:

Improved patient safety: When anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses and other healthcare professionals work together, medical mistakes become less likely.
Enhanced communication: Open communication can ensure that all team members receive vital information that impacts patient care, such as information about the patient’s medical history, allergies and specific needs.
Integrated care: Creating a collaborative environment allows specialists to contribute their expertise to the task at hand, improving patient outcomes.
Efficient workflow: Communication can lend itself to the setup of a streamlined operating room, where procedures start on time and available resources are utilized efficiently.
Better pain management: When OR teams create an environment of multidisciplinary collaboration, it’s easier to develop comprehensive pain management strategies to improve patient comfort.

Teamwork matters in the operating room, and a lack of communication can result in medical errors. The Joint Commission states that if medical errors were ranked in the National Center for Health Statistics’ top 10 causes of death list, they would rank at number 5, edging out breast cancer, diabetes and accidents.

Elements of a Collaborative Culture

Elements that can contribute to a collaborative culture in anesthesia include:

Open communication: Encouraging open communication between all team members ensures everyone feels comfortable asking questions, voicing concerns and sharing information.
Mutual respect: Fostering an environment where all team members (regardless of their experience level) feel valued can help create a collaborative culture.
Shared goals: Aligning a team around patient goals can improve patient safety and boost patient care.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: Promoting teamwork across different specialties is important, as doing so can provide better patient care. When each member feels valued in the process, it’s easier to speak up if they notice an issue or have an idea about how a process could be improved.

Building and Sustaining Team Cohesion

To develop a culture of collaboration in the field of anesthesia, leaders must work to intentionally create a culture of respect and open the lines of communication.

Strategies to build team cohesion include:

Team-building activities: While it’s easy for those in the medical field to roll their eyes at yet another team-building activity, participating in these exercises can help strengthen relationships, improve communication and help team members become more comfortable with one another.
Conflict resolution: If one team member has an issue with another, the problem must be addressed, with assistance from leadership if necessary. When leaders model this behavior by speaking to someone directly during a conflict, other team members are often encouraged to do the same.
Recognition and appreciation: When team members are recognized and celebrated for a job well done, they’re often encouraged to do the same for others. This can boost team morale and motivation.
Aligned vision: Discussing goals for patient care as a team can ensure that all team members are on the same page and can help streamline game-time processes.

Overcoming Barriers to Collaboration

Unfortunately, several barriers to effective collaboration within anesthesia teams can exist, including hierarchical structures, communication gaps, differences in training and resistance to change. Issues counterproductive to such an environment must be addressed to foster an inclusive and collaborative team dynamic.

Some ways to overcome the barriers to collaboration often found in anesthesia teams include:

Assume the best: When someone with more training needs to correct or question someone with less training, assuming the best (instead of assuming that the person has less knowledge or has made a mistake) can help foster an environment of respect despite different levels of education or training.
Communication gaps: Establishing regular meeting times and debriefs can help ensure that open communication occurs regularly.
Role clarity: Establishing that each team member is crystal clear on their role in and out of the OR can help to minimize confusion.
Resistance to change: Adjusting to new best practices can be difficult for a professional who has been in the field for years. Explaining the rationale behind changes and providing evidence that supports change during team meetings can help lessen the resistance a tried-and-true anesthesia professional may feel toward changing aspects of their practice.

Encouraging Continuous Improvement and Learning

Communication and teamwork best practices are constantly improving, and continuing education is critical to fostering a collaborative environment. When teams go through the learning process together, they can learn more about each other, understand one another’s thought processes and know more about each team member’s past experiences and education, allowing them to understand the unique perspectives each team member brings to the table.

Leslie New, CCI Chief CRNA, loves the environment we help our team members create. When asked about her favorite part of working with CCI, she stated, “Teamwork! I am blessed to have great people to work with on a day-to-day basis.”

Building an environment of respect that values each team member, providing continual opportunities for team learning, and constantly developing high-level communication skills can all support a climate of collaboration between perioperative team members in and out of the operating room. At CCI Anesthesia, we believe in providing you with the resources you need to create a respectful, collaborative culture in your OR. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you create a career you’ll love.