title: The role of non-technical skills in surgery.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London.
authors.forename: Riaz A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Agha
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: Alexander J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Fowler
authors.affiliation: Centre for Implementation Science, King's College London, UK.
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sevdalis
keywords: Education; Human factors; Non-technical skills; Surgical practice; Teamwork