ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses issue of adaptation and adaptability of coordination processes in anaesthesia in the face of changing situational requirements. Anaesthetists rely on a combination of initial coordinatedness, anticipation and response or reaction to events. Participants were asked to describe the coordination needs within the anaesthesia crew to other members of the perioperative team during different phases of cardiac anaesthesia, for two different surgical procedures, and how the coordination needs change, for example, in case of unexpected clinical events. The chapter investigates adaptive coordination behaviour in anaesthesia crews in clinical and simulated work environments. Studies in many complex work environments show that successful teams adapt their coordination process to the coordination requirements that vary depending on task characteristics, team characteristics such as familiarity of its members, and the situation. Aspects of teamwork that were found to correspond to the quality and safety of patient care are perceived team climate, leadership behaviour furthering open communication, and adaptive coordination and leadership.
