Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS)

This is a one-day course for consultant surgeons and post-CCT trainees from all surgical specialties. The course examines the non-technical skills which underpin good operative performance using short talks, video simulated scenarios, an audience response voting system, and small group discussions.

At the end of the course participants will be able to understand the theories and research relating to adverse events in surgery and the importance of the non-technical skills in improving performance. Attendees will also be able to use the NOTSS taxonomy to observe, rate, and provide feedback on behaviours in the operating room.

The non-technical skills of surgeons (NOTSS) play a significant role in patient safety. We are committed to patient safety and support the World Health Organisation’s World Patient Safety Day.

Suitability

Consultants and senior trainees in all surgical specialties.

Relevant Grades: ST7, ST8, SAS, Consultant

Course Format

Participants are sent reading material prior to attending the course. The course gives participants practical experience of observing and rating non-technical behaviours. The format is centered on small group work and the use of simulated scenarios from the operating theatre and other industries.

Course Objectives

Technical skills are, of themselves, inadequate to ensure optimal outcome following surgery. This course aims to address the non-technical skills that are the essential cognitive and interpersonal aspects of operative surgery, and underpin technical actions by optimising and enhancing the performance of individual surgeons and through them, the surgical team.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, participants should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of non-technical skills and error management to surgical performance
Observe and discuss examples of good and poor behaviours in the operating theatre
Use a taxonomy of non-technical skills
Rate behaviours using the NOTSS rating scale
Provide structured feedback to trainees/other consultant surgeons based on observations
Discuss how non-technical failures can lead to poor clinical outcomes.

Costs

Costs for this course vary depending on the location. Contact details for each centre are below.

Course Director

Professor Steve Yule

Location Specific Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RCSEd’s course cancellation policy?

What happens if RCSEd cancels a course I am booked on?
On occasion, RCSEd may need to cancel a course, for example if we are affected by an event out with our control or if it is not financially viable for us to deliver the course. If we do need to cancel, we will let you know as soon as possible and provide you with a full refund of course fees paid.

RCSEd shall incur no further liability (eg. travel or accommodation costs). You may wish to consider taking out appropriate travel insurance for any non-refundable costs you may incur when arranging to attend the course.

What happens if I need to cancel my place on a course I am booked?
If you cancel your place more than four weeks before the event date, you will incur an administration fee of 10% (or £50, whichever is greater) of the total course fee. NB: For course fees £250 and under, the cancellation fee is £30)

If you cancel your place less than four weeks before the course date, once the course has started, or you do not notify us, the total course fee will be charged, and no refund will be given.

Please also note that you cannot transfer your place on a Course to someone else. This is because many of our courses have a waiting list, and we have an obligation to honour this.

Can I cancel a course booking online?
NO, cancellations must be made directly with the education team by email (education@rcsed.ac.uk).
Can I transfer to another date for the same course?
YES, you can transfer to another date by contacting the Education section directly (education@rcsed.ac.uk). Please note that you can transfer only once and transfers can only be made if more than 4 weeks prior to the start of the course, without incurring additional costs. Should you cancel again, no refund shall be given.

Should you have any further questions, the Education Team can be contacted on 0131 527 1600 or by email to education@rcsed.ac.uk.

How do I book a place on an RCSEd course?

You can book a place for all our courses by visiting the RCSEd website, and selecting the course you wish to book. Please note that you will need to register with the website in order to book.

For some regional and international courses you will need to book directly with the centre. Please check individual courses for details.

You can also contact the Education Section by phone to book (0131 527 1600).

What payment methods do RCSEd accept?

Visa and MasterCard are accepted on the RCSEd website and over the phone to the education team.

All course bookings will receive a booking confirmation email: this email acts as your receipt.

Request an Invoice: If your course fees will be paid by a third party (eg trust, hospital, charitable fund) and they wish to be invoiced then they must provide us with an official purchase order. We are unable to process applications without this.

The purchase order should be submitted with the application form and can be emailed to education@rcsed.ac.uk. Please note that we can only invoice organisations and not individuals. Please check with your hospital or trust, as some may require you to pay yourself and then claim the money back.

Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS)

Key Facts