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General info

What helps surgical teams perform at their best under pressure?

Technical expertise is essential. So are the skills that help surgeons and their teams communicate clearly, make sound decisions, anticipate risks and respond when plans change.

The NOTSS (Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons) Masterclass at Orsi Academy is an interactive, practical course led by internationally recognised experts in surgical education, human factors and team performance. Through discussions, real-life examples, operative video analysis and group exercises, you will explore how these skills shape what happens in the operating room.

What you will learn

  • Recognise changes in the surgical situation and anticipate risks
  • Make decisions under uncertainty and pressure
  • Communicate clearly and build a shared understanding within the team
  • Lead and involve colleagues effectively during a procedure
  • Respond to unexpected events while keeping the team coordinated
  • Apply the NOTSS framework to reflect on your daily practice
  • Strengthen the skills that support effective teamwork and safer patient care

Faculty

Manoj Kumar

Dr. Manoj Kumar

General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Aberdeen
Associate Director of Medical Education at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
National Clinical Lead for Team Based Quality Review Program

Gillian Hardman

Dr. Gillian Hardman

Cardiac Surgeon, Blackpool & Aberdeen
Clinical Researcher in Cardiothoracic Transplantation, Newcastle
Education lead, British Heart Valve Society

Kenneth Walker

Prof. Dr. Kenneth Walker

Professor of Innovation in Surgical Education, RCSEd
Director, SERI Lab* (RCSEd & NHS Highland)
Co-lead, NOTSS International & COSMOS grps, RCSEd
Therapeutic Endoscopist (colorectal surgeon), NHS Highland

Program

The training program may be subject to minor changes.

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Registration and refreshments

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Welcome & introduction

  • Aims of the NOTSS Masterclass
  • Introduction to Non-Technical Skills
  • Video scenario
  • Introduction to the NOTSS system
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Situation awareness

  • Concepts and discussion
  • Video exercise
  • Strategies to improve Situation Awareness
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Coffee break

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Decision making

  • Concepts and discussion
  • Video exercise
  • Strategies to improve decision-making
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Managing your cognitive load

Concepts and discussion

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Lunch

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Communication & teamwork

  • Concepts and discussion
  • Video exercise
  • Strategies to improve communication & teamwork
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Leadership

  • Concepts and discussion
  • Video exercise
  • Leadership tools
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Coffee break

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Implementing NOTSS

  • Full Scenario assessment
  • NOTSS Toolkit
  • NOTSS applications and closing discussion
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End of the Masterclass

Prices

Nurse

Incl. of VAT

€150,00

Trainee, fellow, PhD student

Incl. of VAT

€250,00

Consultant

Incl. of VAT

€300,00

Resources

Flyer Non-technical skills for surgeons

6.27 MB
Download

€150,00 (incl. VAT)

1 session available

21 Nov - 21 Nov '26

Seats available
Apply for this course

Got a question?

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