Communicating in Medical Teams and Groups: Examining Psychological Safety and Simulation Training

Abstract

This chapter examines group communication in medical teams through psychological safety and simulation training research. Research has shown that medical teams are challenged by established hierarchies, power/status differences, temporal stability, changing team memberships, and deeply held beliefs that emphasize individual responsibility. A review of 47 studies (29 psychological safety, 18 simulation) was conducted to understand key findings in relationship to group communication. Results indicate that team leadership promotes team psychological safety, voice, and relationship quality while status differences and hierarchy continue to affect psychological safety within medical teams. Simulation training facilitated interprofessional relationships, attitudes toward teamwork, self-efficacy, and group communication. The findings of this review suggest that psychological safety may be developed through simulation training. The quality of patient care is improved when all members of medical teams have the ability and motivation to communicate effectively.

Citation

Real, K., Hartsough, L. and Huddleston, L.C. (2021), "Communicating in Medical Teams and Groups: Examining Psychological Safety and Simulation Training", Beck, S.J., Keyton, J. and Poole, M.S. (Ed.) The Emerald Handbook of Group and Team Communication Research, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 475-492. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80043-500-120211030