On August 10th, the School of Medicine hosted the second part of the “Mini-Medical School” program for Carolina Athletics.
Coaches and sports administrators participated in stressful simulation exercises for a different perspective on teamwork and communication. The teams performed medical skills and learned about TeamSTEPPS® (Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety).
The afternoon began with a welcome from Drs Blasius and McNaull and discussion of TeamSTEPPS®. The team then assembled for a trauma drill to introduce them to medical team roles, patient assessment, and application of the communication skills necessary in safe patient care. Skills stations included cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), airway management (including endotracheal intubation), and intravascular access. Following rotations through the skills stations, the teams were presented with a patient scenario and given time to organize in a huddle prior to arrival. Each of the two patient cases allowed the team an opportunity to perform the patient care skills learned and apply TeamSTEPPS® communication techniques.
The day concluded with a rich discussion of similarities and differences in leadership strategies between the athletics and healthcare. Dr. Burks emphasized the importance of deliberate debrief and reflection to learn and change future behaviors.
Thank you Mr Brian Strickland for capturing these amazing images of the event. An article on the first event was written by Caroline Curran and can be found here.