How 2 Train Heroes?

Excellent Open Access article on Team Training in Healthcare in the BMJ Quality and Safety Journal We have all been in a poorly run code where team work break down resulting in total chaos. Teamwork matters. Team training matters. Given the chaos and typically undifferentiated presentations of critical illness, no where is teamwork more important than in the Emergency Department. This review of the literature reviews several not so surprising facts regarding teamwork: - When surgical teams exhibit less teamwork, the OR for complications and death increases to 4.8. - Communication issues contribute to 24% of malpractice claims - Teamwork and communication issues are cited as the root cause in a staggering 52-70% of adverse events. The review continues on in great detail reviewing the literature. A must read for anyone who trains teams of healthcare providers. A key message that we all can bring back to our next shift is the importance of the three C's: Cooperation. Commun

Wonderful and inspirational Ted talk on How to be a research, and perhaps life mentor ! The speaker reviews the Process of research, moving the emphasis off the results. After a few successful, and a few unsuccessful projects, I really appreciated his description of the "Cloud" that all researcher must go thru in pursuit of expected, or often unexpected truth. We have all been there; the data just does not tell the expected story, so we blames ourselves, instead of asking what the data really does tell us. Many mentors struggle with how to deliver positive yet important feedback to their mentees. I have met only a few mentors who have done this well. Personally, I will begin to use the feedback tool "Yes And...".

Ten Life Lessons from Navy Seal Training  http://www.lifebuzz.com/10-lessons-from-navy-seal/#!YQXX2 Amazing commencement address at the UT by Naval Admiral William McRaven highlighting the tenacity and innovative spirit of the Navy Seals. I even appreciated Rule #1: If you want to change the world, then start by making the bed. Tradition and innovation do not always go together today. But beginning the day with small goal setting and attention to detail always starts the day off right. Other traditions remain worthwhile today as well. While I am not a fan of mandatory shirt and ties for MD's in the ED, largely because patient themselves do not prefer this, I am a steadfast believer in polite introductions including a eye contact and handshake.