Crew Resource Management(CRM)
Crew Resource Management (CRM) was developed by the aviation industry to reduce the incidence of human errors and related air transportation accidents. The tools and applications of CRM create enhanced communication focused on team-centered decision-making systems. CRM doesn’t only depend on communication techniques, but also embraces other complementary components such as the strategic use of technology and the development of efficient processes. CRM has been able to change the “work” of aviation from being dependent on individual attitudes, personalities, and social skills--which fluctuate based on events, environment, and team mix--to work that’s collaborative with joint accountability of all team members, and is strongly and consistently supported by structured, focused communication. The CRM methodologies and associated training require specific, routine communication behaviors under all circumstances that are observable and measurable. With today’s critical concerns related to patient safety, the importance of collaboration and a team approach to patient care has become paramount. The CRM methodologies are easily transferable to healthcare.
