Enhancing Surgical Performance : A Primer in Non-technical Skills

This book explains why non-technical skills are vital for safe and effective performance in the operating theatre. It provides a full account, with supporting empirical evidence, of the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) system and behavioural rating framework, which helps identify the key elements involved in successful operative surgery. The system can be used for training, assessment, self-reflection and event analysis. Because it encourages surgeons to reflect on their own performance and behaviour, the book is suitable for surgeons in all specialties and at all levels.

Enhancing Surgical Performance: A Primer in Non-Technical Skills explains why non-technical skills are vital for safe and effective performance in the operating theatre. The book provides a full account, with supporting empirical evidence, of the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) system and behavioural rating framework, which helps identify the key elements involved in successful operative surgery.

The editors spent the last twelve years as part of the team developing and testing the NOTSS system and delivering presentations and workshops across the world. Readers will benefit by having, in one accessible handbook, a description of the NOTSS system and how it can be used for training, assessment, self-reflection and event analysis.

The book also examines human error, performance limitations, and global safety initiatives in surgery. Because it encourages surgeons to reflect on their own performance and behaviour, it is suitable for surgeons in all specialties and at all levels.