Teaching and assessing non-technical skills

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Human Factors Research
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Human factors and non-technical skills are increasingly recognized in surgical education.
• These terms are often used interchangeably despite distinct definitions.
• They encompass behaviors, attitudes, and cognitive skills crucial for surgical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the definitions and importance of human factors and non-technical skills in surgery.
• To highlight the challenges in articulating, measuring, and assessing these skills.
• To explore the application of these skills beyond the operating theatre, such as in ward settings.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis of human factors and non-technical skills in surgical education.
• Examination of current practices in training and assessment.
• Discussion of research focusing on operating theatre versus ward settings.

Main Results:

• Human factors and non-technical skills are critical but often poorly articulated and measured in surgical training and practice.
• Most research focuses on operating theatre skills, with less known about their use in ward settings.
• There is a growing appreciation for their impact on surgical outcomes and a need for better training and assessment.

Conclusions:

• Clearer definitions and consistent measurement of human factors and non-technical skills are needed in surgical education.
• Developing effective training and assessment strategies for these skills is essential for improving patient safety and surgical outcomes.
• Further research is required to understand the application of these skills across diverse surgical environments.