Non-technical skills for surgeons (NOTSS)

Abstract Modern patient safety is approached in a systematic manner with a view to both minimizing harm and maximizing good practice. Small performance adjustments are used to make incremental gains. Non-technical skills are a key set of skills necessary for safe, effective patient management. The NOTSS (non-technical skills for surgeons) taxonomy defines the skills required of surgeons in the operating room, namely situation awareness, decision making, communication and teamwork, and leadership. Each of these skill categories pertains to a distinct skill set that needs to be practised and refined. Developing understanding of how we perform these skills and Identifying tools and techniques to integrate into daily practice allow us to both reduce human error and make our and our surrounding team performance more effective.