Evaluating Non-Technical Skills in Surgery

Abstract

Non-technical skills are increasingly recognized as essential to providing safe and effective surgical care. In this chapter, we first review the policy context for studying surgeons' non-technical skills. Next, we define the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) behavior rating system, including situation awareness, decision making, communication and teamwork, and leadership in the operating room. We review major domains of ongoing research on surgeons' non-technical skills and discuss measurement considerations for researchers planning to study non-technical skills. Finally, we identify promising areas for future health services researchers to develop successful careers studying non-technical skills in surgery.