Integration of TeamSTEPPS Framework and Escape Room to Improve Teamwork and Collaboration

Abstract

Problem & Purpose: As the need for health care professionals continues to grow, different learning environments have been assessed to optimize knowledge while keeping the student engaged. Escape rooms, live action, team-based exercises (Adams & Crawford, 2018), supplemented with TeamSTEPPS tools can assist in overall team performance, while keeping the participant engaged in a new learning environment (Sheppard, Williams, & Klein 2013). The goal of this quality improvement project was to enhance teamwork and collaboration through the integration of TeamSTEPPS concepts and escape room active learning. This concept was explored through the integration of TeamSTEPPS tools and strategies in an escape room setting to improve team dynamics and cohesiveness in a new dynamic way with a small cohort of nurse leaders in a large urban academic medical center, while exploring the engagement and depth of learning experience for the participant. Methods: Twelve nurse leaders completed two different escape rooms while observers completed the TeamSTEPPS observation tool assessing team dynamics and performance and participants assessed their perceptions before and after intervention. These nurses also were observed at staff meetings and completed a perceptions tool on teamwork pre and post intervention. A post-escape room survey was completed by participants to assess learning and interest in this interactive learning exercise. Results: There was a significant statistical difference after TeamSTEPPS and escape room intervention (Mean 17.3 and p=0.004 SD 5.9) when compared to before intervention as well as has a more positive sense of teamwork was noted. In addition, 75% of the nurses strongly agreed that the escape room was engaging and fun with 25% agreeing. Ninety-one percent agreed or strongly agreed that the escape room was an effective team building exercise with 100% agreeing or strongly agreeing to recommend the escape room experience to others. Conclusion: This cohort validated the integration of TeamSTEPPS tools and strategies in an escape room setting as an enjoyable and engaging way to learn while providing an effective team building activity. This small cohort demonstrates that new methods of learning such as an escape room should be explored further for engaging participants and improving communication and teamwork skills.