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Alayande BT, Forbes C, Kingpriest P, Adejumo A, Williams W, Wina F, Agbo CA, Omolabake B, Bekele A, Ismaila BO, Kerray F, Sule A, Abahuje E, Robertson JM, Yule S, Riviello R, Isichei M. Non-technical skills training for Nigerian interprofessional surgical teams: a cross-sectional survey. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:547. [PMID: 38755653 PMCID: PMC11097506 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05550-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-technical skills (NTS) including communication, teamwork, leadership, situational awareness, and decision making, are essential for enhancing surgical safety. Often perceived as tangential soft skills, NTS are many times not included in formal medical education curricula or continuing medical professional development. We aimed to explore exposure of interprofessional teams in North-Central Nigeria to NTS and ascertain perceived facilitators and barriers to interprofessional training in these skills to enhance surgical safety and inform design of a relevant contextualized curriculum. METHODS Six health facilities characterised by high surgical volumes in Nigeria's North-Central geopolitical zone were purposively identified. Federal, state, and private university teaching hospitals, non-teaching public and private hospitals, and a not-for-profit health facility were included. A nineteen-item, web-based, cross-sectional survey was distributed to 71 surgical providers, operating room nurses, and anaesthesia providers by snowball sampling through interprofessional surgical team leads from August to November 2021. Data were analysed using Fisher's exact test, proportions, and constant comparative methods for free text responses. RESULTS Respondents included 17 anaesthesia providers, 21 perioperative nurses, and 29 surgeons and surgical trainees, with a 95.7% survey completion rate. Over 96% had never heard of any NTS for surgery framework useful for variable resource contexts and only 8% had ever received any form of NTS training. Interprofessional teams identified communication and teamwork as the most deficient personal skills (38, 57%), and as the most needed for surgical team improvement (45, 67%). There was a very high demand for NTS training by all surgical team members (64, 96%). The main motivations for training were expectations of resultant improved patient safety and improved interprofessional team dynamics. Week-long, hybrid training courses (with combined in-person and online components) were the preferred format for delivery of NTS education. Factors that would facilitate attendance included a desire for patient safety and self-improvement, while barriers to attendance were conflicts of time, and training costs. CONCLUSIONS Interprofessional surgical teams in the Nigerian context have a high degree of interest in NTS training, and believe it can improve team dynamics, personal performance, and ultimately patient safety. Implementation of NTS training programs should emphasize interprofessional communication and teamworking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnabas Tobi Alayande
- Center for Equity in Global Surgery, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda.
- Department of Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria.
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America.
- Surgical Equity Research Hub, Jos, Nigeria.
| | - Callum Forbes
- Center for Equity in Global Surgery, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Wendy Williams
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Felix Wina
- Department of Surgery, Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Christian Agbo Agbo
- Department of Surgery, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Markudi, Nigeria
| | - Bamidele Omolabake
- Department of Surgery, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Markudi, Nigeria
| | - Abebe Bekele
- Center for Equity in Global Surgery, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Bashiru O Ismaila
- Department of Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Fiona Kerray
- Department of Clinical Surgery, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Augustine Sule
- Department of Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Egide Abahuje
- University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ilinois, United States of America
| | - Jamie M Robertson
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Steven Yule
- Department of Clinical Surgery, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Robert Riviello
- Center for Equity in Global Surgery, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Mercy Isichei
- Department of Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
- The Faith Alive Foundation, Jos, Nigeria
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Kerray FM, Abahuje E, Tambyraja AL, Yule SJ. We asked the experts: The evolving role of non-technical skills for surgery in low- and middle-income countries. World J Surg 2024; 48:316-319. [PMID: 38686780 DOI: 10.1002/wjs.12046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona M Kerray
- Department of Clinical Surgery, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Edinburgh Vascular Service, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Egide Abahuje
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Andrew L Tambyraja
- Department of Clinical Surgery, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Edinburgh Vascular Service, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Steven J Yule
- Department of Clinical Surgery, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Clinical Practices Following Train-The-Trainer Trauma Course Completion in Uganda: A Parallel-Convergent Mixed-Methods Study. World J Surg 2023; 47:1399-1408. [PMID: 36872370 PMCID: PMC10156777 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-023-06935-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the growth of trauma training courses worldwide, evidence for their impact on clinical practice in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is sparse. We investigated trauma practices by trained providers in Uganda using clinical observation, surveys, and interviews. METHODS Ugandan providers participated in the Kampala Advanced Trauma Course (KATC) from 2018 to 2019. Between July and September of 2019, we directly evaluated guideline-concordant behaviors in KATC-exposed facilities using a structured real-time observation tool. We conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with course-trained providers to elucidate experiences of trauma care and factors that impact adoption of guideline-concordant behaviors. We assessed perceptions of trauma resource availability through a validated survey. RESULTS Of 23 resuscitations, 83% were managed without course-trained providers. Frontline providers inconsistently performed universally applicable assessments: pulse checks (61%), pulse oximetry (39%), lung auscultation (52%), blood pressure (65%), pupil examination (52%). We did not observe skill transference between trained and untrained providers. In interviews, respondents found KATC personally transformative but not sufficient for facility-wide improvement due to issues with retention, lack of trained peers, and resource shortages. Resource perception surveys similarly demonstrated profound resource shortages and variation across facilities. CONCLUSIONS Trained providers view short-term trauma training interventions positively, but these courses may lack long-term impact due to barriers to adopting best practices. Trauma courses should include more frontline providers, target skill transference and retention, and increase the proportion of trained providers at each facility to promote communities of practice. Essential supplies and infrastructure in facilities must be consistent for providers to practice what they have learned.
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Identifying interventions to reduce peripartum haemorrhage associated with caesarean delivery in Africa: A Delphi consensus study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000455. [PMID: 36962699 PMCID: PMC10021587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Women in Africa are fifty times more likely than in high-income settings to die following caesarean delivery, and peripartum haemorrhage is most strongly associated with mortality. We aimed to establish consensus on which interventions are considered most feasible to implement and most effective at reducing haemorrhage associated with caesarean delivery across Africa. We conducted a Delphi consensus study, including obstetric and anaesthesia providers from across Africa. In round one the expert group proposed key interventions for consideration. In rounds two and three the interventions were ranked on a 9-point Likert scale for effectiveness and feasibility. Round four was an online discussion to establish consensus on effectiveness and feasibility of interventions for which this had not been reached in round three. Twenty-eight interventions were considered both highly effective and feasible in Africa. Interventions covered a range of fields, categorised into direct- or indirect interventions. Direct interventions included: risk assessment and screening; checklists and protocols; monitoring and surveillance; availability of resources; ability to perform technical skills. Indirect interventions included: community and maternal education; contraception and family planning; minimum training standards; referral patterns and delays; advocacy to key stakeholders; simulation and team training; and 24-hour access to safe emergency caesarean delivery. Interventions considered both effective and feasible in reducing peripartum haemorrhage associated with caesarean delivery in Africa were identified. A multi-layered implementation strategy, including immediately developing a perioperative caesarean delivery bundle of care, in addition to longer-term public health measures may have a profound impact on maternal mortality in Africa.
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Managing a Team in the Operating Room: The Science of Teamwork and Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons. Curr Probl Surg 2022; 59:101172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpsurg.2022.101172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Edmonds R, Hansen D. Aligning Air Force Ground Surgical Team (GST) Training With the Deployment Experience. Mil Med 2022; 188:997-1002. [PMID: 35260902 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Air Force Ground Surgical Team (GST) Phase 1 course is a two-week pre-deployment training for the Air Force's conventional austere surgical care platform. Since the creation of the GST platform and associated training pipeline in 2017, course adjustments and improvements have relied on expert opinion and anecdote. To gain a more robust understanding of GST deployment clinical and operational activities, we conducted a survey of all surgeons who completed GST Phase 1 training from its inception in April 2017 to September 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS 87 surgeons took the course from April 2017 to September 2020. 60 of those surgeons were still on active duty and were candidates to complete the survey sent from the Air Force Survey Office. 31 individuals responded and their identification was kept blinded. An IRB exemption was issued before study initiation. RESULTS Of the 31 respondents, 9 took the GST Phase 1 course but never deployed, and were excluded. The remaining 22 surgeons deployed at some point from 2017 to 2020. Four surgeons reported providing no surgical care during their deployment. 68% of the surgeons deployed to an actual standalone GST platform, while the rest were retained at larger military treatment facilities (MTFs) or Role III facilities. The median number of surgeries performed was 2 for surgeons at standalone GSTs and 7 for those at larger MTFs/Role IIIs. A holding time of greater than 12 hours was reported for 15% of operative patients and 58% of nonoperative patients at standalone GSTs. 28% (n = 5) of surgeons reported taking care of patients in the Golden Hour of surgery, and 23% of teams reported a patient death. Two surgeons cared for a military working dog, and four surgeons cared for pediatric patients. 50% of surgeons had more than one patient present simultaneously for care. 50% of surgeons' resupply were in the greater than 30 days or never received category. CONCLUSIONS The GST Phase 1 course has a unique role in preparing students to provide austere surgical care. This includes both preparing to function in the operational military environment as well as applying sound in-garrison trauma surgical care techniques to the austere, resource variable environment. The results of this survey suggest that a broadening of content-specific deployment-related topics, the formalization of documentation education, incorporating formal evidence-based nontechnical skills training, and identifying optimal GST context-specific behaviors will strengthen the effectiveness of the course in preparing students for deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dallas Hansen
- Air Force, USAFSAM, Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA
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Interpersonal challenges in surgical care provision in rural Mexico: A qualitative study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 10:100210. [PMID: 36777693 PMCID: PMC9903862 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Chiapas is among the states with the lowest access to health care in Mexico. A better understanding of the role of interpersonal relationships in referral systems could improve access to care in the region. The purpose of this study was to analyze the underlying barriers and facilitators to accessing surgical care at public hospitals run by the Ministry of Health in Chiapas. Methods In this qualitative interview study, we performed semi-structured interviews with 19 surgical patients and 18 healthcare workers at three public hospitals in the Fraylesca Region of Chiapas to explore barriers and facilitators to successfully accessing surgical treatment. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using an inductive, thematic approach to data analysis. Findings The five major themes identified as barriers to surgical care were dehumanization of patients, the toll of rehumanizing patients, animosity in the system, the refraction of violence onto patients, and poor resource coordination. Three themes identified as facilitators to receiving care were teamwork, social capital, and accompaniment. Interpretation Health care workers described a culture of demoralization and mistrust within the health system worsened by a scarcity of resources. As a result, patient care is hampered by conflict, miscommunication, and feelings of dehumanization. Efforts to improve access to surgical care in the region should consider strategies to improve teamwork and expand patient accompaniment. Funding Harvard University and the Abundance Fund provided funding for this project. Funding sources had no role in the writing of the manuscript or decision to submit it for publication.Resumen. Antecedentes Chiapas es uno de los estados en Mexico con el menor acceso a la atención médica, y a los servicios quirúrgicos. Una mejor comprensión del papel de las relaciones interpersonales en los sistemas de referencias podría mejorar el acceso a la atención medica en la región. El objetivo del estudio es analizar las barreras y facilitadores para acceder a la atención quirúrgica en los hospitales públicos pertenecientes a la Secretaria de Salud del estado de Chiapas. Método En este estudio cualitativo, realizamos entrevistas semiestructuradas con 19 pacientes quirúrgicos y 18 trabajadores de la salud en tres hospitales públicos en la región de la Frailesca de Chiapas para explorar barreras y facilitadores para acceder al tratamiento quirúrgico. Las transcripciones se codificaron y analizaron utilizando un enfoque temático. Resultados Las cinco barreras principales identificadas fueron la deshumanización de los pacientes, el costo a re humanizar pacientes, la animosidad en el sistema, la refracción de la violencia sobre los pacientes y la mala coordinación de recursos. Tres facilitadores para recibir cirugía fueron el trabajo en equipo, el capital social, y el acompañamiento. Interpretaciones Los trabajadores de la salud describieron una cultura de desmoralización y desconfianza en el sistema de salud que se agrava con la escasez de recursos. Como resultado se obtiene, conflicto, falta de comunicación, y sentimientos de deshumanización que empeoran la atención al paciente. Recomendaciones para mejorar el acceso a los servicios quirúrgicos en la región incluyen estrategias para mejorar el trabajo en equipo y ampliar el acompañamiento de los pacientes. Financiamiento La Universidad de Harvard y the Abundance Fund proporcionaron fondos para este proyecto. Las fuentes de financiamiento no influyen en la redacción ni en la publicación del manuscrito.
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Lindegger DJ, Abahuje E, Ruzindana K, Mwachiro E, Karonkano GR, Williams W, Ntakiyiruta G, Riviello R, Yule S, Paterson-Brown S. Strategies for Improving Quality and Safety in Global Health: Lessons From Nontechnical Skills for Surgery Implementation in Rwanda. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021; 9:481-486. [PMID: 34593575 PMCID: PMC8514020 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Egide Abahuje
- Feinberg Medical School, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Kenneth Ruzindana
- University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Wendy Williams
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Robert Riviello
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven Yule
- NHS Lothian University Hospitals Division, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Traynor MD, Owino J, Rivera M, Parker RK, White RE, Steffes BC, Chikoya L, Matsumoto JM, Moir CR. Surgical Simulation in East, Central, and Southern Africa: A Multinational Survey. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2021; 78:1644-1654. [PMID: 33487586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-income countries have increased the use of simulation-based training and assessment for surgical education. Learners in low- and middle-income countries may have different educational needs and levels of autonomy but they and their patients could equally benefit from the procedural training simulation provides. We sought to characterize the current state of surgical skills simulation in East, Central, and Southern Africa and determine residents' perception and future interest in such activities. METHODS A survey was created via collaboration and revision between trainees and educators with experiences spanning high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries. The survey was administered on paper to 76 trainees (PGY2-3) who were completing the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) Membership of the College of Surgeons examination in Kampala, Uganda in December 2019. Data from paper responses were summarized using descriptive statistics and frequencies. RESULTS We received responses from 43 trainees (57%) from 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa who participated in the examination. Fifty-eight percent of respondents reported having dedicated space for surgical skills simulation training, and most (91%) had participated in some form of simulation activity at some point in their training. However, just 16% used simulation as a regular part of training. The majority of trainees (90%) felt that surgical skills learned in simulation were transferrable to the operating room and agreed it should be a required part of training. Seventy-one percent of trainees felt that simulation could objectively measure technical skills, and 73% percent of respondents agreed that simulation should be integrated into formal assessment. However, residents split on whether proficiency in simulation should be achieved prior to operative experience (54%) and if nontechnical skills could be measured (51%). The most common cited barriers to the integration of surgical simulation into residents' education were lack of suitable tools and models (85%), funding (73%), and maintenance of facilities (49%). CONCLUSIONS Residents from East, Central, and Southern Africa strongly agree that simulation is a valuable educational tool and ought to be required during their surgical residency. Barriers to achieving this goal include availability of affordable tools, adequate funding and confidence in the value of the educational experience. Trainees affirm further efforts are necessary to make simulation more widely available in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - June Owino
- Department of Surgery, Tenwek Hospital, Bomet, Kenya; Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons, Palatine, Illinois
| | - Mariela Rivera
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Robert K Parker
- Department of Surgery, Tenwek Hospital, Bomet, Kenya; Department of Surgery, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island; Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons, Palatine, Illinois
| | - Russell E White
- Department of Surgery, Tenwek Hospital, Bomet, Kenya; Department of Surgery, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island; Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons, Palatine, Illinois
| | - Bruce C Steffes
- Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons, Palatine, Illinois
| | - Laston Chikoya
- Department of Surgery, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Christopher R Moir
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons, Palatine, Illinois.
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Abahuje E, Bartuska A, Koch R, Youngson G, Ntakiyiruta G, Williams W, Dias RD, Rosu C, Yule S, Riviello R. Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Behavior Change After Implementation of an Interdisciplinary Surgical Non-Technical Skills Training Program in Rwanda. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2021; 78:1618-1628. [PMID: 33516750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2021.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nontechnical skills, such as situation awareness, decision making, leadership, communication, and teamwork play a crucial role on the quality of care and patient safety in the operating room (OR). In our previous work, we developed an interdisciplinary training program, based on the NOTSS (Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons) taxonomy. The aim of this study was to understand the challenges faced by Rwandan surgical providers, who had undergone NOTSS training, to apply these nontechnical skills during subsequent operative surgery. SETTING DESIGN A sequential exploratory mixed method study design was used to assess how participants who took the NOTSS in Rwanda applied nontechnical skills in surgical care delivery. The qualitative phase of this study deployed a constructivist grounded theory approach. Findings from the qualitative phase were used to build a quantitative survey tool that explored themes that emerged from the first phase. PARTICIPANTS Participants were nurses and resident from the departments of Surgery, Anesthesia, Obstetric, and Gynecology, from the University of Rwanda who attended the NOTSS course in March 2018. RESULTS A total of 25 participants and 49 participants were respectively enrolled in the qualitative phase and quantitative phase. Participants noted that nontechnical skills implementation in clinical practice was facilitated by working with other personnel also trained in NOTSS, anticipation, and preparation ahead of the time; while lack of interdisciplinary communication, hierarchy, work overload, and an inconsistently changing environment compromised nontechnical skills implementation. Nontechnical skills were useful both inside and outside the operating. Participants reported that nontechnical skills implementation resulted in improved team dynamics, safer patient care, and empowerment. CONCLUSION Surgical care providers who took the NOTSS course subsequently implemented nontechnical skills both inside and outside of the OR. Human and system-based factors affected the implementation of nontechnical skills in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egide Abahuje
- Center for Surgery & Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kigali-Rwanda; MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; STRATUS Center for Medical Simulation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Andrew Bartuska
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel Koch
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - George Youngson
- Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland- United Kingdom
| | | | - Wendy Williams
- Center for Surgery & Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Roger D Dias
- STRATUS Center for Medical Simulation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Claudia Rosu
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Steven Yule
- Center for Surgery & Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland-United Kingdom
| | - Robert Riviello
- Center for Surgery & Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kigali-Rwanda; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Stucke R, Rosenkranz KM. Teaching and Evaluating Nontechnical Skills for General Surgery. Surg Clin North Am 2021; 101:577-586. [PMID: 34242601 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Surgical training programs have long used quantitative measures of knowledge, as well as subjective evaluation of technical skills, to define the competence of trainees. However, a growing body of literature has shown the importance of nontechnical surgical skills as vital components of quality surgical care. Institutions must train nontechnical surgical skills, including leadership, communication, teamwork, situational awareness, and decision making, and incorporate these attributes into their evaluative processes to maximally enhance surgical performance at every career stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryland Stucke
- Fellow in Advanced GI and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
| | - Kari M Rosenkranz
- Associate Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA.
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Hodza-Beganovic R, Berggren P, Hugelius K, Edelbring S. Survey-based experiential learning as a new approach to strengthening non-technical skills in LMIC health care settings. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:240. [PMID: 33902554 PMCID: PMC8077772 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02619-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study outlines key aspects of professional development among health professionals in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). LMICs need support in developing their continuing medical education, and non-technical skills (NTS) that have been neglected in this respect. Given the nature of NTS, educational methods should be used experientially. This study aims to explore an interactive educational approach to increase NTS among health care professionals in an LMIC setting. METHODS A design-based research approach was applied to develop an educational method. Key NTS concepts were identified, which directed the selection of research-based surveys. A series of workshops was designed in which a survey-based experiential approach was developed. The educational process followed a pattern of individual reflection, small group discussion and relating the concepts to the local practice in a wider group. RESULTS An approach to increase NTS in LMIC settings emerged in iterative development through conducting workshops with health care teams in the Balkans. The topics could be grouped into individual, team, and organisational dimensions. The approach can be described as survey-based experiential learning involving steps in recurring interaction with participants. The steps include identifying concepts in individual, team and organization dimensions and contextualising them using experiential learning on the individual and group levels. CONCLUSION An overarching approach has been developed that addresses NTS in an LMIC setting. The survey-based experiential learning approach can be beneficial for raising professional awareness and the development of sustainable healthcare settings in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhija Hodza-Beganovic
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- International Medical Program, Region Östergötland, Center for Disaster Medicine and Traumatology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Peter Berggren
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- International Medical Program, Region Östergötland, Center for Disaster Medicine and Traumatology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karin Hugelius
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Samuel Edelbring
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Alidina S, Chatterjee P, Zanial N, Alreja SS, Balira R, Barash D, Ernest E, Giiti GC, Maina E, Mazhiqi A, Mushi R, Reynolds C, Sydlowski M, Tinuga F, Maongezi S, Meara JG, Kapologwe NA, Barringer E, Cainer M, Citron I, DiMeo A, Fitzgerald L, Ghandour H, Gruendl M, Hellar A, Jumbam DT, Katoto A, Kelly L, Kisakye S, Kuchukhidze S, Lama TN, Menon G, Mshana S, Reynolds C, Segirinya H, Simba D, Smith V, Staffa SJ, Strader C, Tibyehabwa L, Troxel A, Varallo J, Wurdeman T, Zurakowski D. Improving surgical quality in low-income and middle-income countries: why do some health facilities perform better than others? BMJ Qual Saf 2021; 30:937-949. [PMID: 33547219 PMCID: PMC8606467 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2020-011795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence on heterogeneity in outcomes of surgical quality interventions in low-income and middle-income countries is limited. We explored factors driving performance in the Safe Surgery 2020 intervention in Tanzania's Lake Zone to distil implementation lessons for low-resource settings. METHODS We identified higher (n=3) and lower (n=3) performers from quantitative data on improvement from 14 safety and teamwork and communication indicators at 0 and 12 months from 10 intervention facilities, using a positive deviance framework. From 72 key informant interviews with surgical providers across facilities at 1, 6 and 12 months, we used a grounded theory approach to identify practices of higher and lower performers. RESULTS Performance experiences of higher and lower performers differed on the following themes: (1) preintervention context, (2) engagement with Safe Surgery 2020 interventions, (3) teamwork and communication orientation, (4) collective learning orientation, (5) role of leadership, and (6) perceived impact of Safe Surgery 2020 and beyond. Higher performers had a culture of teamwork which helped them capitalise on Safe Surgery 2020 to improve surgical ecosystems holistically on safety practices, teamwork and communication. Lower performers prioritised overhauling safety practices and began considering organisational cultural changes much later. Thus, while also improving, lower performers prioritised different goals and trailed higher performers on the change continuum. CONCLUSION Future interventions should be tailored to facility context and invest in strengthening teamwork, communication and collective learning and facilitate leadership engagement to build a receptive climate for successful implementation of safe surgery interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shehnaz Alidina
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pritha Chatterjee
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Noor Zanial
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sakshie Sanjay Alreja
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca Balira
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute for Medical Research Mwanza Research Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Edwin Ernest
- Safe Surgery 2020 Project, Jhpiego, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Adelina Mazhiqi
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rahma Mushi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Cheri Reynolds
- Department of Global Health, Assist International, Ripon, California, USA
| | - Meaghan Sydlowski
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Florian Tinuga
- Department of Health, Social Welfare and Nutrition Service, President's Office - Regional Administration and Local Government, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Sarah Maongezi
- Department of Adult Non-Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - John G Meara
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ntuli A Kapologwe
- Department of Health, Social Welfare and Nutrition Service, President's Office - Regional Administration and Local Government, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Erin Barringer
- Dalberg Advisors, Dalberg Group, New York, New York, USA
| | - Monica Cainer
- Department of Global Health, Assist International, Ripon, California, USA
| | - Isabelle Citron
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amanda DiMeo
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Hiba Ghandour
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Magdalena Gruendl
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Desmond T Jumbam
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adam Katoto
- Safe Surgery 2020 Project, Jhpiego, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lauren Kelly
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steve Kisakye
- Dalberg Implement, Dalberg Group, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Salome Kuchukhidze
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tenzing N Lama
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gopal Menon
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stella Mshana
- Safe Surgery 2020 Project, Jhpiego, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Chase Reynolds
- Department of Global Health, Assist International, Ripon, California, USA
| | | | - Dorcas Simba
- Safe Surgery 2020 Project, Jhpiego, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Victoria Smith
- Department of Global Health, Assist International, Ripon, California, USA
| | - Steven J Staffa
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher Strader
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Alena Troxel
- Safe Surgery 2020 Project, Jhpiego, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - John Varallo
- Safe Surgery 2020 Project, Jhpiego, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Taylor Wurdeman
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Zurakowski
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Richter DL, Held M, Campos T, Wascher DC, Schenck RC. The Management of Knee Dislocations in the Limited-Resource Setting. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2020; 102:e136. [PMID: 33060423 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.20.00743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Held
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Túlio Campos
- Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Rothdiener M, Griewatz J, Meder A, Dall’Acqua A, Obertacke U, Kirschniak A, Borucki K, Koenig S, Ruesseler M, Steffens S, Steinweg B, Lammerding-Koeppel M. Surgeons' participation in the development of collaboration and management competencies in undergraduate medical education. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233400. [PMID: 32502213 PMCID: PMC7274374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The teaching of professional roles in medical education is an interdisciplinary concern. However, surgeons require specific standards of professionalism for certain context-based situations. In addition to communication, studies require collaboration, leadership, error-/conflict-management, patient-safety and decision-making as essential competencies for surgeons. Standards for corresponding competencies are defined in special chapters of the German National Competency-based Learning Objectives for Undergraduate Medical Education (NKLM; chapter 8, 10). The current study asks whether these chapters are adequately taught in surgical curricula. Eight German faculties contributed to analysing mapping data considering surgical courses of undergraduate programs. All faculties used the MERlin mapping platform and agreed on procedures for data collection and processing. Sub-competency and objective coverage, as well as the achievement of the competency level were mapped. Overall counts of explicit citations were used for analysis. Collaboration within the medical team is a strongly represented topic. In contrast, interprofessional cooperation, particularly in healthcare sector issues is less represented. Patient safety and dealing with errors and complications is most emphasized for the Manager/Leader, while time management, career planning and leadership are not addressed. Overall, the involvement of surgery in teaching the competencies of the Collaborator and Manager/Leader is currently low. However, there are indications of a curricular development towards explicit teaching of these roles in surgery. Moreover, implicitly taught roles are numerous, which indicates a beginning awareness of professional roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Rothdiener
- Competence Centre for University Teaching in Medicine, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jan Griewatz
- Competence Centre for University Teaching in Medicine, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Adrian Meder
- Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Alessandro Dall’Acqua
- Competence Centre for Evaluation of Teaching in Medicine, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Udo Obertacke
- Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Center, University Medicine Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- Competence Centre of Final Year, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Kirschniak
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Katrin Borucki
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Koenig
- Insitute for Medical Teaching and Medical Education Research, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Ruesseler
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sandra Steffens
- Dean’s Office for Medical Education, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bernhard Steinweg
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maria Lammerding-Koeppel
- Competence Centre for University Teaching in Medicine, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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16
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Pradarelli JC, Gupta A, Lipsitz S, Blair PG, Sachdeva AK, Smink DS, Yule S. Assessment of the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) framework in the USA. Br J Surg 2020; 107:1137-1144. [DOI: 10.1002/bjs.11607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Surgeons' non-technical skills are important for patient safety. The Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons assessment tool was developed in the UK and recently adapted to the US surgical context (NOTSS-US). The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and distribution of non-technical skill ratings given by attending (consultant) surgeons who underwent brief online training.
Methods
Attending surgeons across six specialties at a large US academic medical centre underwent a 10-min online training, then rated 60-s standardized videos of simulated operations. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and mean(s.d.) values for NOTSS-US ratings were determined for each non-technical skill category (score range 1–5, where 1 indicates poor, 3 average and 5 excellent) and for total NOTSS-US score (range 4–20; sum of 4 category scores). Outcomes were adjusted for rater characteristics including sex, specialty and clinical experience.
Results
A total of 8889 ratings were submitted by 81 surgeon raters on 30 simulated intraoperative videos. The mean(s.d.) total NOTSS-US score for all videos was 9·5(4·8) of 20. The within-video ICC for total NOTSS-US score was 0·64 (95 per cent c.i. 0·57 to 0·70). For individual non-technical skill categories, the ICC was highest for social skills (communication/teamwork: 0·63, 95 per cent c.i. 0·56 to 0·71; leadership: 0·64, 0·55 to 0·72) and lowest for cognitive skills (situation awareness: 0·54, 0·45 to 0·62; decision-making: 0·50, 0·41 to 0·59). Women gave higher total NOTSS-US scores than men (adjusted mean difference 0·93, 95 per cent c.i. 0·44 to 1·43; P = 0·001).
Conclusion
After brief online training, the inter-rater reliability of the NOTSS-US assessment tool achieved moderate strength among trained surgeons rating simulated intraoperative videos.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Pradarelli
- Department of Surgery, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A Gupta
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - S Lipsitz
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - P Gabler Blair
- Division of Education, American College of Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - A K Sachdeva
- Division of Education, American College of Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - D S Smink
- Department of Surgery, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - S Yule
- Department of Surgery, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- STRATUS Center for Medical Simulation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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17
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Paterson-Brown S, Youngson G, McIlhenny C, Maran N, Flin R, Yule S. Raising awareness of non-technical skills in operating theatres. BMJ 2019; 364:l61. [PMID: 30622110 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Steve Yule
- Harvard University Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
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