Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS)

This is a one-day course for consultant surgeons and post-CCT trainees from all surgical specialities. 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 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.

We are a modern, thriving, global network of medical professionals with memberships approaching 28,000 professionals who live and work in more than 100 countries around the world. 15,000 of these live and work in the UK, and 80% of that figure are based in England and Wales. Our membership includes people at every stage of their career, from medical students through to trainees, consultants and those who have retired from practice.

With our interest in professional standards, the College’s primary role – and the main concern of our Fellows and Members – is to ensure the safety of our patients and provide them with the best possible care. We do this by championing the highest standards of surgical and dental practice; through our provision of courses and educational programmes, training, examinations and Continuous Professional Development; our liaison with external medical bodies; and by influencing healthcare policy across the UK.