Impact of Simulation-Based Teamwork Training on COVID-19 Distress in Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

ContextNon-technical skills such as leadership, communication or situation awareness should lead to effective teamwork in a crisis situation. The aim of the study was to analyse the role of these skills on the emotional response of health professionals to the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsBefore COVID-19 outbreak, 48 doctors and 48 nurses participated in a simulation-based teamwork training program based on teaching non-technical skills through simulation. In May 2020, this group of professionals from a COVID-19 referral hospital were invited to participate in a survey exploring stress, anxiety, and depression, using PSS-14 (Perceived Stress Scale) and HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) measures. A control group that did not receive the training was included. We conducted a logistic regression to assess whether having attended simulation-based teamwork training program modified the probability of presenting psychological distress (PSS-14>18 or HADS>12).ResultsA total of 141 healthcare professionals were included, 77 in the intervention group and 64 in the control group. Based on the PSS-14, 70.1% of the intervention group and 75% of the control group (p=0.342) had symptoms of stress. Having contact with COVID-19 patients [OR 4.16(1.64–10.52)]; having minors in charge [OR 2.75 (1.15–6.53)]; working as doctor [0.39(0.16 – 0.95)]; and being woman [OR 2.94(1.09–7.91)] were related with PSS14 symptoms. Based on the HADS, 54.6% of the intervention group and 42.2% of control group (p=0.346) had symptoms of anxiety or depression. Having contact with COVID-19 patients [OR 2.17(1.05 – 4.48)] and having minors in charge [OR 2.14(1.06 – 4.32)] were related with HADS symptoms. Healthcare professionals who attended COVID-19 patients showed higher levels of anxiety and depression [OR 2.56(1.03 – 6.36) (p=0.043)].ConclusionHealthcare professionals trained in non-technical skills through simulation had a tendency towards higher levels of anxiety and depression and less levels of stress, during the COVID-19 pandemic.