Does crew resource management training work? An update, an extension, and some critical needs.
This detailed review of crew resource management (CRM) training examines 11 studies focused on CRM in health care settings (including a widely cited prior study in an emergency department setting). Although CRM training generally resulted in improved attitudes and knowledge for trainees, studies had mixed effects on trainees' behaviors, particularly in health care. In general, studies did not perform an adequate evaluation of the effects of the intervention. The authors conclude that the effect of CRM on organizational safety (in health care and other industries) remains unclear. The authors argue for the importance of formally evaluating the effects of CRM and provide recommendations for conducting such studies.