How do controller-led in situ simulations affect team function, dynamics, and communications among staff responsible for public health emergency operations and coordination at a state health department?

The researchers propose that interdisciplinary team effectiveness can be learned during in situ simulations, and performance problems and efficiencies can be identified and categorized into specific groups.

Didactic Training versus In Situ Simulation

What are the differences in performance between didactic training and in situ simulation training? 

Do in situ simulations:

• reduce missteps and miscommunications in the real world environment? 
• improve exercise performance?
• impact team dynamics and function?

Project Relevance

 In critical incidents and events, delays, mistakes, and errors result from team failure and communication breakdown.  This study examines how an in situ simulation strategy can be used to help state Department of Health Department Operations Centers (DOCs) and Multi-Agency Coordination Centers (MACs) increase their effectiveness, efficiency, and ability to respond to the effects of disasters.

Lead Investigator

William Riley, PhD, University of Minnesota
Associate Professor, Division of Health Policy and Management
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
School of Public Health

Team Members

Cheryl Petersen-Kroeber, MEP
Education, Exercises, and Planning Unit Supervisor
Office of Emergency Preparedness
Minnesota Department of Health

Jane Braun, MPH, EM
Deputy Director of Emergency Preparedness
Office of Emergency Preparedness
Minnesota Department of Health

Mac McCullough
Research Assistant
Student, Division of Health Policy and Management
University of Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Health

Stan Davis, MD, and Kristi Miller, RN, MS
Medical Teamwork Consultants
Fairview Health Services