Non-technical skills and otolaryngology: systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the published literature on non-technical skills in otolaryngology surgery and examine the applicability of any research to others' practice, and to explore how the published literature can identify areas for further development and guide future research.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using the following key words: 'otolaryngology', 'otorhinolaryngology', 'ENT', 'ENT surgery', 'ear, nose and throat surgery', 'head and neck surgery', 'thyroid surgery', 'parathyroid surgery', 'otology', 'rhinology', 'laryngology' 'skull base surgery', 'airway surgery', 'non-technical skills', 'non technical skills for surgeons', 'NOTSS', 'behavioural markers' and 'behavioural assessment tool'.

RESULTS: Three publications were included in the review - 1 randomised, controlled trial and 2 cohort studies - involving 78 participants. All were simulation-based studies involving training otolaryngology surgeons.

CONCLUSION: Little research has been undertaken on non-technical skills in otolaryngology. Training surgeons' non-technical skill levels are similar across every tested aspect. The research already performed can guide further studies, particularly amongst non-training otolaryngology surgeons and in both emergency and elective non-simulated environments.