Behavioral sciences applied to acute care teams: a research agenda for the years ahead by a European research network

Abstract

Background Multi-disciplinary behavioral research on acute care teams has focused on understanding how teams work and on identifying behaviors characteristic of efficient and effective team performance. We aimed to define important knowledge gaps and establish a research agenda for the years ahead of prioritized research questions in this field of applied health research. Methods In the first step, high-priority research questions were generated by a small highly specialized group of 29 experts in the field, recruited from the multinational and multidisciplinary “Behavioral Sciences applied to Acute care teams and Surgery (BSAS)” research network – a cross-European, interdisciplinary network of researchers from social sciences as well as from the medical field committed to understanding the role of behavioral sciences in the context of acute care teams. A consolidated list of 59 research questions was established. In the second step, 19 experts attending the 2020 BSAS annual conference quantitatively rated the importance of each research question based on four criteria – usefulness, answerability, effectiveness, and translation into practice. In the third step, during half a day of the BSAS conference, the same group of 19 experts discussed the prioritization of the research questions in three online focus group meetings and established recommendations. Results Research priorities identified were categorized into six topics: (1) interventions to improve team process; (2) dealing with and implementing new technologies; (3) understanding and measuring team processes; (4) organizational aspects impacting teamwork; (5) training and health professions education; and (6) organizational and patient safety culture in the healthcare domain. Experts rated the first three topics as particularly relevant in terms of research priorities; the focus groups identified specific research needs within each topic. Conclusions Based on research priorities within the BSAS community and the broader field of applied health sciences identified through this work, we advocate for the prioritization for funding in these areas.

Progressive muscle relaxation in pandemic times: bolstering medical student resilience through IPRMP and Gagne's model

“…By fostering emotional intelligence and empathy, PMR aids medical students and professionals in building effective interpersonal relationships and professional networks. These skills are vital in a healthcare setting where teamwork, collaboration, and communication are paramount (Rosen et al, 2018 ; Keller et al, 2024 ). A healthcare professional who is emotionally intelligent and empathetic is more adept at establishing rapport with patients, understanding their needs, and collaborating effectively with colleagues.…”

Editorial: Promoting teamwork in healthcare

“…While this Research Topic showcases innovative developments in interprofessional education (e.g., Körner et al , Kolbe et al , Witti et al ), the focus should now shift toward increasing the accessibility of educational materials and resources. This could range from publishing open-access materials alongside research articles, as done by Körner et al , to establishing platforms dedicated to sharing interprofessional training materials and curricula (e.g., https://www.did-act.eu , https://did-act.instruct.eu/course/view.php?id=3 ), such as virtual patient case collections (e.g., https://icovip.eu/ ) and the initiative Behavioral Science Applied to Healthcare (BSAH; Keller et al, 2024 ). By making such resources readily available, we can empower healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively collaborate across disciplines, ultimately enhancing teamwork and patient outcomes.…”