Surgical team training: promoting high reliability with nontechnical skills

This article focuses on key aspects of the "nontraditional" surgical subjects of organizational structure and team interaction. First, the deficiencies in team dynamics found within the modern operating room (OR) and their resultant consequences are highlighted. Next, essential human factors concepts related to error generation, organizational culture, high reliability, and team science as applied to the OR environment are reviewed. Finally, various strategies for improving OR team function, including the use of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) in team training are discussed.