ABSTRACT
This chapter describes non-technical skills that have been identified by experienced surgeons as being important for safe and successful surgery, recognizing that technical proficiency alone is not enough. The aim of the non-technical skills for surgeons (NOTSS) project was to develop a non-technical skills classification, with associated behavioural markers, which could be used in the training and assessment of surgeons during the intra-operative phase of surgery. Good Situational awareness (SA) in the operating theatre is essential for all the other non-technical skills and comprises three distinct levels, which may be inferred. They are Level one– gathering information; Level two – interpreting the information, which requires understanding; and Level three – projecting and anticipating future states based on this information. Communication skills, and working as part of a team, are important skills for the surgeon that underpin and link the other non-technical skills of situational awareness, decision-making and leadership.
