HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS REGISTER		Author Keyword(s) Vol Page [Advanced]

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this link to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Add article to my folders Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Aggarwal, R Articles by Darzi, A Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Aggarwal, R Articles by Darzi, A

The simulated operating theatre: comprehensive training for surgical teams

Department of Surgical Oncology & Technology, Imperial College, London, UK

Correspondence to:
MrR Aggarwal
Clinical Research Fellow, Department of Surgical Oncology & Technology, Imperial College London, 10th Floor, QEQM Building, St Mary’s Hospital, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY UK; rajesh.aggarwal{at}imperial.ac.uk Surgical excellence is traditionally defined in terms of technical performance, with little regard for the importance of interpersonal communication and leadership skills. Studies in the aviation industry have stressed the role of human factors in causing error and, in an attempt to reduce the occurrence of adverse events, led to the organisation of simulation based training scenarios. Similar strategies have recently been employed for the surgical team with the development of a simulated operating theatre project. This enables technical and non-technical performance of the surgeon and circulating staff to be assessed by experts situated in an adjacent control room, and provides an opportunity for constructive feedback. The scenarios have good face validity and junior surgeons can benefit from the process of learning new technical skills in a realistic environment. The effect of external influences such as distractions, new technology, or a crisis scenario can also be defined, with the ultimate aim of reducing the number of adverse events arising in the real operating room.

Abbreviations: CDR, clinical data recording; CRM, crew resource management; GI, gastrointestinal; NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; VR, virtual reality

Keywords: simulation; surgery; team; training

This article has been cited by other articles:

				Yan Xiao, S. Schimpff, C. Mackenzie, R. Merrell, E. Entin, R. Voigt, and B. Jarrell Video Technology to Advance Safety in the Operating Room and Perioperative Environment Surgical Innovation, March 1, 2007; 14(1): 52 - 61. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R. Aggarwal and A. Darzi Technical-Skills Training in the 21st Century N. Engl. J. Med., December 21, 2006; 355(25): 2695 - 2696. [Full Text] [PDF]

				A N Healey, S Undre, and C A Vincent Defining the technical skills of teamwork in surgery. Qual. Saf. Health Care, August 1, 2006; 15(4): 231 - 234. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S C Seiden, C Galvan, and R Lamm Role of medical students in preventing patient harm and enhancing patient safety. Qual. Saf. Health Care, August 1, 2006; 15(4): 272 - 276. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R Aggarwal and A Darzi Training in the operating theatre: is it safe? Thorax, April 1, 2006; 61(4): 278 - 279. [Full Text] [PDF]