Non-Technical Skills For Surgeons Scores Research Articles

Deep Learning Analysis of Surgical Video Recordings to Assess Nontechnical Skills

Assessing nontechnical skills in operating rooms (ORs) is crucial for enhancing surgical performance and patient safety. However, automated and real-time evaluation of these skills remains challenging. To explore the feasibility of using motion features extracted from surgical video recordings to automatically assess nontechnical skills during cardiac surgical procedures. This cross-sectional study used video recordings of cardiac surgical procedures at a tertiary academic US hospital collected from January 2021 through May 2022. The OpenPose library was used to analyze videos to extract body pose estimations of team members and compute various team motion features. The Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) assessment tool was employed for rating the OR team's nontechnical skills by 3 expert raters. NOTSS overall score, with motion features extracted from surgical videos as measures. A total of 30 complete cardiac surgery procedures were included: 26 (86.6%) were on-pump coronary artery bypass graft procedures and 4 (13.4%) were aortic valve replacement or repair procedures. All patients were male, and the mean (SD) age was 72 (6.3) years. All surgical teams were composed of 4 key roles (attending surgeon, attending anesthesiologist, primary perfusionist, and scrub nurse) with additional supporting roles. NOTSS scores correlated significantly with trajectory (r = 0.51, P = .005), acceleration (r = 0.48, P = .008), and entropy (r = -0.52, P = .004) of team displacement. Multiple linear regression, adjusted for patient factors, showed average team trajectory (adjusted R2 = 0.335; coefficient, 10.51 [95% CI, 8.81-12.21]; P = .004) and team displacement entropy (adjusted R2 = 0.304; coefficient, -12.64 [95% CI, -20.54 to -4.74]; P = .003) were associated with NOTSS scores. This study suggests a significant link between OR team movements and nontechnical skills ratings by NOTSS during cardiac surgical procedures, suggesting automated surgical video analysis could enhance nontechnical skills assessment. Further investigation across different hospitals and specialties is necessary to validate these findings.

Simulation-based training for intraoperative posterior capsule rupture management: an analysis of nontechnical skills development and the relationship between technical and nontechnical skills.

To analyse development of individual nontechnical skills (NTS) domains after undertaking a previously developed simulation-based training model and analyse the relationship between technical skills (TS) and NTS in ophthalmic surgery. The simulation-based training model involved a cataract surgery case complicated by intraoperative posterior capsule rupture. Cataract surgeons underwent the simulation twice, separated by a training intervention. Two blinded independent experts assessed participants' NTS using HUFOES, NOn-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS), and the OSATS global rating scale for TS. Paired t-tests assessed differences in individual NTS domains, with p < 0.05 indicating significance. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to assess the correlation between scores from each scoring system. All NTS domains within HUFOES and NOTSS demonstrated statistically significant improvements secondary to the training intervention. Positive correlations were demonstrated between HUFOES and OSATS scores in the pre- and post-training simulations, r = 0.870 (p < 0.001) and r = 0.861 (p < 0.001), respectively. Positive correlations were also demonstrated between NOTSS and OSATS scores in pre- and post-training simulations, r = 0.849 (p < 0.001) and r = 0.757 (p = 0.001), respectively. Positive correlations were demonstrated between HUFOES and NOTSS scores; r = 0.979 (p < 0.001) (n = 17) and r = 0.959 (p < 0.001) for pre- and post-training simulations, respectively. All NTS domains contained within HUFOES and NOTSS demonstrated significant increases following the completion of the simulation-based training model. Positive correlations exist between an ophthalmic surgeon's TS and NTS. This is the first study to report these findings within ophthalmic surgery.

Intraoperative Assessment of Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) and Qualitative Description of their Effects on Intraoperative Performance

The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the feasibility of using the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) rating tool in assessing surgeons' non-technical skills behaviors in live operations, and (2) to describe the effect of NOTSS on intraoperative performance. This study was conducted in an academic hospital in North America. Two observers independently conducted direct non-participant observations using the NOTSS rating tool to assess non-technical skills, and to document examples of effective or ineffective non-technical skills behaviors. Observers took field notes to document non-technical skill gaps that were not captured by the NOTSS rating tool, and situations or scenarios that presented challenges for accurate assessment. Interclass correlation estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the validity of the NOTSS rating tool. Deductive thematic qualitative data analysis was used for field notes and NOTSS behavior descriptions. Participants were general surgeons performing either minimally invasive (robotic assisted or laparoscopic surgery), or open procedures. We observed 18 surgeries, involving 6 surgeons, 11 residents and one fellow resulting in 37 hours of direct observations. The mean NOTSS score was 3.8 (SD 0.41) for situation awareness, 3.75 (SD 0.47) for decision-making, 3.71 (SD 0.39) for communication and teamwork, and 3.76 (SD 0.38) for leadership. The inter-rater reliability ranged between 0.65 and 0.80 for each NOTSS categories. The observers documented examples of effective non-technical skills behaviors and examples of behaviors that need improvement. Furthermore, we described the effect of each observed behavior on intraoperative performance. One challenge to NOTSS use in live surgery was that observers had to infer situation awareness, decision-making, and coping with pressure as these were not easily observed without attending surgeons articulating their underlying thought process. The use of the NOTSS tool in live surgery is a valid and practical tool to document observed behaviors and their effect on intraoperative performance in order to provide constructive feedback to surgeons. One notable limitation is that without specific articulation by the surgeon of their underlying thought process the observer must infer specific elements. By documenting specific real-world events with high inter-rater reliability and adequate surgeon score variation the process can be used to provide useful feedback for improvement.

Objective Nontechnical Skills Measurement Using Sensor-based Behavior Metrics in Surgical Teams.

The purpose of this study was to identify objective measures that predict surgeon nontechnical skills (NTS) during surgery. NTS are cognitive and social skills that impact operative performance and patient outcomes. Current methods for NTS assessment in surgery rely on observation-based tools to rate intraoperative behavior. These tools are resource intensive (e.g., time for observation or manual labeling) to perform; therefore, more efficient approaches are needed. Thirty-four robotic-assisted surgeries were observed. Proximity sensors were placed on the surgical team and voice recorders were placed on the surgeon. Surgeon NTS was assessed by trained observers using the NonTechnical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) tool. NTS behavior metrics from the sensors included communication, speech, and proximity features. The metrics were used to develop mixed effect models to predict NOTSS score and in machine learning classifiers to distinguish between exemplar NTS scores (highest NOTSS score) and non-exemplar scores. NTS metrics were collected from 16 nurses, 12 assistants, 11 anesthesiologists, and four surgeons. Nineteen behavior features and overall NOTSS score were significantly correlated (12 communication features, two speech features, five proximity features). The random forest classifier achieved the highest accuracy of 70% (80% F1 score) to predict exemplar NTS score. Sensor-based measures of communication, speech, and proximity can potentially predict NOTSS scores of surgeons during robotic-assisted surgery. These sensing-based approaches can be utilized for further reducing resource costs of NTS and team performance assessment in surgical environments. Sensor-based assessment of operative teams' behaviors can lead to objective, real-time NTS measurement.

Comparison of nontechnical skills grading rubrics for OR in situ simulation for general surgery and Obstetrician/Gynecologist residents

BackgroundThis study utilized the Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety and the Nontechnical Skills for Surgeons grading systems to evaluate the nontechnical skills of general surgery and obstetrician/gynecologist residents to see if these grading systems were concordant. These simulations were also intended to teach about crisis resources available at our institution. MethodsNineteen teams were created consisting of either one general surgery resident or 2 Obstetrician/Gynecologist residents plus 2 Anesthesia residents and 2 to 4 nurses. Each team was given a short briefing on Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety, then performed 2 simulated operating room crises. All exercises were graded by 2 independent observers with experience in the operating room and in using the Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety and Nontechnical Skills for Surgeons grading systems. ResultsAveraged general surgery Team Strategies and Tools To Enhance Performance and Patient Safety score increased between scenarios (14.3–17; P ≤ .01), as did obstetrician/gynecologist Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety score (14.9−19.2; P ≤ .01). Averaged general surgery Nontechnical Skills for Surgeons score increased between scenarios (10.3−12.2; P ≤ .02), as did obstetrician/gynecologist Nontechnical Skills for Surgeons score (10.2−14.3; P ≤ .01). Surgery Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety scores demonstrated a strong correlation of movement with Nontechnical Skills for Surgeons scores (r = 0.83), as did obstetrician/gynecologist (r = 0.91). On average both general surgery (11%–100%; P ≤ .01) and obstetrician/gynecologist (50%–90%; P ≤ .01) saw a statistically significant increase in their awareness of the crisis checklist. ConclusionTeam Strategies and Tools to Enhance and Patient Safety scores and Nontechnical Skills for Surgeons are effective and concordant tools for gauging general surgery and obstetrician/gynecologist resident nontechnical skills. In situ simulations are an effective way to teach general surgery and obstetrician/gynecologist residents about available crisis resources.

Continuing surgical education of non-technical skills

BackgroundThe non-technical skills for surgeons (NOTSS) system was developed as a tool to assess surgical skills for patient safety during surgery. This study aimed to develop a NOTSS-based training system for surgical trainees to acquire non-technical skills using a chest surgery scenario in a wet lab. Materials and methodsTrainees were categorized into three subgroups according to the years of experience as follows: Level A: 6 years or more; Level B: 3–5 years; and Level C: 1–2 years. Three stages of surgical procedure were designed: 1. chest wall resection and right upper lobe lobectomy, 2. right middle lobe sleeve lobectomy, and 3. right lower lobe lobectomy. One instructor was assigned to each operation table, who evaluated each participant's NOTSS scores consisting of 16 elements. ResultsWhen comparing average NOTSS score of all the three procedures, significant differences were observed between Level A, B, and C trainees. As an example of varying elements by procedure, Level A trainees demonstrated differences in Situation Awareness, and a significant difference was observed in Level C trainees regarding the elements of Decision Making. On the contrary, no significant difference was observed among Level B trainees. In the comparison between first-time and experienced participants, a significant improvement was observed in some elements in Level B and C trainees. ConclusionThis study highlights the usefulness and feasibility of the NOTSS scoring system for surgeons with different experiences and the effectiveness of providing feedback to trainees during intraoperative handoffs in a wet lab.

Video Coaching Improving Contemporary Technical and Nontechnical Ability in Laparoscopic Education

A video coaching (VC) system has been developed in surgical education. This study compares the educational effect on technical and nontechnical skills of the VC method for teaching laparoscopic surgery. We conducted a prospectively randomized study of an education program to teach laparoscopic procedures. The study was performed at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, a university hospital in Taiwan. We enrolled sixteen first- or second-year surgical residents.The participants were randomized into VC and conventional teaching (CT) groups, and their surgical skills were judged by the Global Operation Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) and the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). Nontechnical skills were evaluated by the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) assessment and self-efficacy questionnaires (SEQs). After the program, posttraining scores were compared to assess improvements. The 16 enrolled participants finished the entire course and completed all the videos during the study period. Comparing the VC and CT groups, we found that the pretraining GOALS, OSATS, NOTSS and SEQ scores were similar between both groups. However, after training, the OSATS score gain was higher in the VC groupthan in the CT group (9.25 ± 2.05 vs. 6.50 ± 1.51, p=0.009). Regarding nontechnical skills, the NOTSS score improved more in the VC group than in the CT group (5.50 ± 0.93 vs. 4.25 ± 0.89, p=0.015). The SEQ score was also higher in the VC group (32.13 ± 2.10) than in the CT group (29.50 ± 1.77), with a significant difference (p=0.018). VC can help surgeons build their expertise using a more accessible method. Additionally, VC can shorten the learning curve and improve self-efficacy, thereby contributing to surgeons' education.

Do surgeon non-technical skills correlate with teamwork-related outcomes during robot-assisted surgery?

IntroductionTo evaluate the impact of non-technical skills (NTS) on team performance, workload and clinical outcomes.MethodsThe operating room (OR) environment of 20 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies performed by three different surgeons was...

Simulation in urology to train non-technical skills inward rounds.

To report our experience of an exercise designed to train newly appointed urology trainees in non-technical skills on ward rounds as a part of a simulation 'boot camp', through a qualitative analysis of participant feedback on the utility of this method of training. The simulations took place in a high-fidelity simulated ward bay. Forty-eight doctors with formal urology training ranging between 2 and 60months (mean 19.1 ± 11.6months) took part. Thirty-one participants were on a formal urology specialty training pathway. The remaining participants were core (pre-specialty) surgical trainees. The entry requirement was that participants must be junior-level urologists, ideally at the beginning of specialty training. Participants individually led a simulated ward round, which was devised using actors to play patients and a simulated 'switchboard' for telephone conversations. Distractions were introduced deliberately for participants to manage an emergent urology-related scenario. 'Freeze-frames' were used to 'pause' the ward round, whereby observing consultants provided feedback on performance. After the simulated exercises, a whole-group structured debriefing took place. Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) scores were generated for participants by seven consultant urologists. Participants completed a two-part feedback form. Part one involved nine questions scored on a Likert scale, and part two required free-text responses. The mean (±sd) itemized NOTSS scores for situational awareness, decision-making, communication and teamwork, and leadership were 3.01 (±0.15), 2.95 (±0.16), 3.05 (±0.19), and 2.98 (±0.15), respectively. From the thematic analysis, participants commented positively on the number of scenarios per participant, the use of actors as patients and real staff, and the use of freeze-frames for immediate feedback. Residents also provided suggestions for distractions to be considered in the future. This simulated ward round was generally well received by participants, and the obtained feedback provides an insight into how this can be adapted to maximize the benefits for new specialty residents. The mean NOTSS scores indicated that non-technical skills performances could be improved. This supports our rationale to train non-technical skills in a safe environment to bolster career transition into positions of greater decision-making autonomy.

Cognitive training for technical and non‐technical skills in robotic surgery: a randomised controlled trial

To investigate the effectiveness of motor imagery (MI) for technical skill and non-technical skill (NTS) training in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). A single-blind, parallel-group randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Vattikuti Institute of Robotic Surgery, King's College London. Novice surgeons were recruited by open invitation in 2015. After basic robotic skills training, participants underwent simple randomisation to either MI training or standard training. All participants completed a robotic urethrovesical anastomosis task within a simulated operating room. In addition to the technical task, participants were required to manage three scripted NTS scenarios. Assessment was performed by five blinded expert surgeons and a NTS expert using validated tools for evaluating technical skills [Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS)] and NTS [Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS)]. Quality of MI was assessed using a revised Movement Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ). In all, 33 participants underwent MI training and 29 underwent standard training. Interrater reliability was high, Krippendorff's α = 0.85. After MI training, the mean (sd) GEARS score was significantly higher than after standard training, at 13.1 (3.25) vs 11.4 (2.97) (P = 0.03). There was no difference in mean NOTSS scores, at 25.8 vs 26.4 (P = 0.77). MI training was successful with significantly higher imagery scores than standard training (mean MIQ score 5.1 vs 4.5, P = 0.04). Motor imagery is an effective training tool for improving technical skill in MIS even in novice participants. No beneficial effect for NTS was found.

MP01-04 DOES SURGEON LEADERSHIP DURING ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGERY CORRELATE WITH TEAMWORK-RELATED OUTCOMES?

You have accessJournal of UrologySurgical Technology & Simulation: Training & Skills Assessment I1 Apr 2018MP01-04 DOES SURGEON LEADERSHIP DURING ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGERY CORRELATE WITH TEAMWORK-RELATED OUTCOMES? Youssef Ahmed, Ahmed Aly Hussein, Yingdong Feng, Omar Rasool, Hijab Khan, Sierra Broad, Renuka Kannappan, Alicia Skowronski, Adam Cole, Derek Wang, Kevin Stone, Adam Hasasneh, Amanda Gotsch, Kevin Sexton, Taimoor Ali, Saira Khan, Ayesha Durrani, Mohammad Durrani, and Khurshid Guru Youssef AhmedYoussef Ahmed More articles by this author , Ahmed Aly HusseinAhmed Aly Hussein More articles by this author , Yingdong FengYingdong Feng More articles by this author , Omar RasoolOmar Rasool More articles by this author , Hijab KhanHijab Khan More articles by this author , Sierra BroadSierra Broad More articles by this author , Renuka KannappanRenuka Kannappan More articles by this author , Alicia SkowronskiAlicia Skowronski More articles by this author , Adam ColeAdam Cole More articles by this author , Derek WangDerek Wang More articles by this author , Kevin StoneKevin Stone More articles by this author , Adam HasasnehAdam Hasasneh More articles by this author , Amanda GotschAmanda Gotsch More articles by this author , Kevin SextonKevin Sexton More articles by this author , Taimoor AliTaimoor Ali More articles by this author , Saira KhanSaira Khan More articles by this author , Ayesha DurraniAyesha Durrani More articles by this author , Mohammad DurraniMohammad Durrani More articles by this author , and Khurshid GuruKhurshid Guru More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.110AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Non-technical skills and leadership of surgeons are of paramount importance to lead a multidisciplinary team in the operating room (OR). We sought to evaluate the impact of leadership on team performance. METHODS OR environment was recorded to monitor behavior of the surgical team in our IRB approved Techno fields project. Twenty robot-assisted radical prostatectomies performed by 3 different surgeons were included. Trained observers assessed non-technical skills, by utilizing Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OTAS) and Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) questionnaires. Correlation analysis was performed between scores and teamwork (anticipation, Inconveniences, broken instruments) and clinical (procedure complexity, intraoperative complications, operative time and blood loss) outcomes. Logistic regression was used to determine if the probability of inconveniences, anticipation or broken instruments were dependent on OTAS and NOTSS scores. RESULTS Out of 1780 surgeon requests, 1077 verbal and 703 non-verbal were identified. The percentages of verbal commands were found to be statistically significantly different among surgeons (74%, 64% vs 56% p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the leadership skills measured with OTAS and operative time (r=0.64, p=0.03). Higher Situational awareness scores were significantly associated with higher odds of anticipation (OR 2.6, p<0.001) and lower odds of inconvenience (OR 0.21, p=0.003) and broken or dysfunctional instruments (OR 0.32, p=0.14). Higher Leadership scores were associated with lower odds of anticipation (OR 0.46, p<0.001) inconveniences (OR 0.62, p=0.03) and broken instruments (OR 0.30, p=0.001). Meanwhile higher communication was associated with lower odds of anticipation (OR 0.43, p=0.14). Decision-making was associated with lower odds of anticipation (OR=0.42 p<0.001) higher odds of inconveniences (OR=2.73, p<0.001) and broken instruments (OR=4.44, p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS Non-surgical skills significantly correlate with observed team performance measures. Further research is needed to determine the impact and the weight of each team attribute on the overall team performance and clinical outcomes. © 2018FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 199Issue 4SApril 2018Page: e2-e3 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2018MetricsAuthor Information Youssef Ahmed More articles by this author Ahmed Aly Hussein More articles by this author Yingdong Feng More articles by this author Omar Rasool More articles by this author Hijab Khan More articles by this author Sierra Broad More articles by this author Renuka Kannappan More articles by this author Alicia Skowronski More articles by this author Adam Cole More articles by this author Derek Wang More articles by this author Kevin Stone More articles by this author Adam Hasasneh More articles by this author Amanda Gotsch More articles by this author Kevin Sexton More articles by this author Taimoor Ali More articles by this author Saira Khan More articles by this author Ayesha Durrani More articles by this author Mohammad Durrani More articles by this author Khurshid Guru More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Construct and criterion validity testing of the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) behaviour assessment tool using videos of simulated operations.

Surgeons' non-technical skills are an important part of surgical performance and surgical education. The most widely adopted assessment tool is the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) behaviour rating system. Psychometric analysis of this tool to date has focused on inter-rater reliability and feasibility rather than validation. NOTSS assessments were collected from two groups of consultant/attending surgeons in the UK and USA, who rated behaviours of the lead surgeon during a video-based simulated crisis scenario after either online or classroom instruction. The process of validation consisted of assessing construct validity, scale reliability and concurrent criterion validity, and undertaking a sensitivity analysis. Central to this was confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the structure of the NOTSS taxonomy. Some 255 consultant surgeons participated in the study. The four-category NOTSS model was found to have robust construct validity evidence, and a superior fit compared with alternative models. Logistic regression and sensitivity analysis revealed that, after adjusting for technical skills, for every 1-point increase in NOTSS score of the lead surgeon, the odds of having a higher versus lower patient safety score was 2·29 times. The same pattern of results was obtained for a broad mix of surgical specialties (UK) as well as a single discipline (cardiothoracic, USA). The NOTSS tool can be applied in research and education settings to measure non-technical skills in a valid and efficient manner.

Integration of Hands-On Team Training into Existing Curriculum Improves Both Technical and Nontechnical Skills in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Nontechnical skills are an essential component of surgical education and a major competency assessed by the ACGME milestones project. However, the optimal way to integrate nontechnical skills training into existing curricula and then objectively evaluate the outcome is still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect laparoscopic team-based task training would have on the nontechnical skills needed for laparoscopic surgery. 9 PGY-1 residents underwent an established training curriculum for teaching the knowledge and technical skills involved in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Initial training involved a didactic session, expert-led practice on a porcine model in a simulated operating room and laparoscopic skills practice on a virtual reality trainer. Residents then performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy on the same porcine model as a preintervention test. Three to four months following this, residents were subjected to specific nontechnical skills training involving 2 simple team-based laparoscopic tasks. They then practiced a further 4 to 6 hours on the virtual reality trainer. A repeat postintervention laparoscopic cholecystectomy was then performed 3 to 4 months after nontechnical skills training. Both the preintervention and postintervention laparoscopic cholecystectomies were audiovisually recorded and then evaluated by 2 independent surgeons in a blinded fashion. Technical skills were assessed using objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) and a technique specific rating scale (TRS) that we developed for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Nontechnical skills were assessed using nontechnical skills for surgeons (NOTSS). Residents also completed a survey at the beginning and end of the training. Tertiary care, university based teaching institution. A total of 9 general surgery residents at the intern level. The mean OSATS score improved from 13.7 ± 1.24 to 26.7 ± 0.31 (p < 0.001), the mean TRS score improved from 6 ± 0.46 to 13.1 ± 0.36 (p < 0.001) and the mean NOTSS score improved from 21.7 ± 1.83 to 36.3 ± 0.87 (p < 0.001) following the training. There was a strong correlation between OSATS and NOTSS scores (Pearson's R = 0.98) and TRS and NOTSS (R = 0.94). The inter-rater agreement was 0.79 for NOTSS, 0.9 for OSATS, and 0.82 for TRS. Following completion of the training, residents self-reported improvements in exchanging information (p < 0.01), coordinating activities (p < 0.01) and coping with pressure in the operating room (p < 0.001). Simple, team-based nontechnical skills training for laparoscopic cholecystectomy that was separate from technical skills training led to a sustained increase in residents' nontechnical skills 3 to 4 months after training. This was associated with a self-reported improvement in many nontechnical skills based on resident survey. Based on these results, we recommend that such designated nontechnical skills training is a valid alternative to other methods such as coaching and debriefing. We, therefore, plan to continue our efforts to develop team-based simulation tasks aimed at improving nontechnical skills for multiple surgical modalities.

Non-technical skills of surgeons and anaesthetists in simulated operating theatre crises.

Deficiencies in non-technical skills (NTS) have been increasingly implicated in avoidable operating theatre errors. Accordingly, this study sought to characterize the impact of surgeon and anaesthetist non-technical skills on time to crisis resolution in a simulated operating theatre. Non-technical skills were assessed during 26 simulated crises (haemorrhage and airway emergency) performed by surgical teams. Teams consisted of surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses. Behaviour was assessed by four trained raters using the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) and Anaesthetists' Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) rating scales before and during the crisis phase of each scenario. The primary endpoint was time to crisis resolution; secondary endpoints included NTS scores before and during the crisis. A cross-classified linear mixed-effects model was used for the final analysis. Thirteen different surgical teams were assessed. Higher NTS ratings resulted in significantly faster crisis resolution. For anaesthetists, every 1-point increase in ANTS score was associated with a decrease of 53·50 (95 per cent c.i. 31·13 to 75·87) s in time to crisis resolution (P < 0·001). Similarly, for surgeons, every 1-point increase in NOTSS score was associated with a decrease of 64·81 (26·01 to 103·60) s in time to crisis resolution in the haemorrhage scenario (P = 0·001); however, this did not apply to the difficult airway scenario. Non-technical skills scores were lower during the crisis phase of the scenarios than those measured before the crisis for both surgeons and anaesthetists. A higher level of NTS of surgeons and anaesthetists led to quicker crisis resolution in a simulated operating theatre environment.

Non-technical skills of surgical trainees and experienced surgeons.

In addition to technical expertise, surgical competence requires effective non-technical skills to ensure patient safety and maintenance of standards. Recently the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons implemented a new Surgical Education and Training (SET) curriculum that incorporated non-technical skills considered essential for a competent surgeon. This study sought to compare the non-technical skills of experienced surgeons who completed their training before the introduction of SET with the non-technical skills of more recent trainees. Surgical trainees and experienced surgeons undertook a simulated scenario designed to challenge their non-technical skills. Scenarios were video recorded and participants were assessed using the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) scoring system. Participants were divided into subgroups according to years of experience and their NOTSS scores were compared. For most NOTSS elements, mean scores increased initially, peaking around the time of Fellowship, before decreasing roughly linearly over time. There was a significant downward trend in score with increasing years since being awarded Fellowship for six of the 12 NOTSS elements: considering options (score -0·015 units per year), implementing and reviewing decisions (-0·020 per year), establishing a shared understanding (-0·014 per year), setting and maintaining standards (-0·024 per year), supporting others (-0·031 per year) and coping with pressure (-0·015 per year). The drop in NOTSS score was unexpected and highlights that even experienced surgeons are not immune to deficiencies in non-technical skills. Consideration should be given to continuing professional development programmes focusing on non-technical skills, regardless of the level of professional experience.

Introduction of the non-technical skills for surgeons (NOTSS) system in a Japanese cancer center.

Non-technical skills rating systems, which are designed to support surgical performance, have been introduced worldwide, but not officially in Japan. We performed a pilot study to evaluate the "non-technical skills for surgeons" (NOTSS) rating system in a major Japanese cancer center. Upper gastrointestinal surgeons were selected as trainers or trainees. The trainers attended a master-class on NOTSS, which included simulated demo-videos, to promote consistency across the assessments. The trainers thereafter commenced observing the trainees and whole teams, utilizing the NOTSS and "observational teamwork assessment for surgery" (OTAS) rating systems, before and after their education. Four trainers and six trainees were involved in this study. Test scores for understanding human factors and the NOTSS system were 5.89±1.69 and 8.00±1.32 before and after the e-learning, respectively (mean±SD, p=0.010). The OTAS scores for the whole team improved significantly after the trainees' education in five out of nine stages (p<0.05). There were no differences in the NOTSS scores before and after education, with a small improvement in the total scores for the "teamwork and communication" and "leadership" categories. These findings demonstrate that implementing the NOTSS system is feasible in Japan. Education of both surgical trainers and trainees would contribute to better team performance.