The provision of formal training in nontechnical skills improved surgeons' nontechnical performance in a simulated surgical environment, according to the results of a study published in the July 2015 issue of Surgery. The study, which evaluated 40 surgeons who participated in two simulation sessions comprising three surgical scenarios designed to challenge nontechnical skills (i.e., being able to adapt rapidly to changing conditions, communicate effectively, and lead a team during crises), found that significant improvement in nontechnical skills performance occurred throughout the two sessions. A subgroup of 17 surgeons was selected to also participate in a didactic educational workshop that occurred between the simulation sessions; however, the data revealed that no additional improvement occurred as a result of attending this workshop. The researchers note that the observed benefit of the training was higher for the less experienced participants. In one scenario, a mean improvement in scores from the first to second session was seen among trainees but not for fellows. The researchers suggest that this finding indicates that nontechnical skills training using simulation should preferably be employed during the early part of surgical training. They conclude that future research should clarify whether nontechnical skills training using simulation enhances actual surgical performance, identify the most appropriate reinforcement strategies for this type of training, and determine how nontechnical skills training can be incorporated into the surgical curriculum in a cost-effective manner.

HRC Recommends: Simulation programs can be used to improve both technical skills and nontechnical skills such as teamwork and communication. They can help prepare residents for scenarios that they will likely encounter in their career, better hone the skills of experienced practitioners, and be used to test new procedures, tools, and work practices. Benefits of simulation include a safe learning environment and the possibility of repetition. Healthcare risk managers may want to encourage their organizations to develop simulation programs in order to help improve their organization's performance related to patient safety and quality.