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Review
. 2015 Oct 9;4(4):422-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2015.10.006. eCollection 2015 Dec.

The role of non-technical skills in surgery

Riaz A Agha  1 , Alexander J Fowler  2 , Nick Sevdalis  3
Affiliations
Review

The role of non-technical skills in surgery

Riaz A Agha et al. Ann Med Surg (Lond). .

Abstract

Non-technical skills are of increasing importance in surgery and surgical training. A traditional focus on technical skills acquisition and competence is no longer enough for the delivery of a modern, safe surgical practice. This review discusses the importance of non-technical skills and the values that underpin successful modern surgical practice. This narrative review used a number of sources including written and online, there was no specific search strategy of defined databases. Modern surgical practice requires; technical and non-technical skills, evidence-based practice, an emphasis on lifelong learning, monitoring of outcomes and a supportive institutional and health service framework. Finally these requirements need to be combined with a number of personal and professional values including integrity, professionalism and compassionate, patient-centred care.

Keywords: Education; Human factors; Non-technical skills; Surgical practice; Teamwork.

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