Speakers
James Tomlinson
Rajesh Nanda
Steven Yule
Uttam Shiralkar
Olufemi Ayeni
Eva Doherty
BOA Session
Session Title: Beyond the scalpel : Integrating human factors to elevate surgical performance
Session Description: Modern surgical excellence extends beyond technical skill. It requires a deep understanding of Non Technical Skills and system factors that shape outcomes in high-pressure environments. This session explores how integrating human factors into trauma and orthopaedic surgery can enhance team performance, reduce error, and improve patient safety.
Through a combination of case studies, expert insights, and real-world examples, we will examine key domains such as situational awareness, decision-making under stress, team communication, and the impact of fatigue and cognitive overload. Attendees will gain practical strategies for optimising both individual and team performance in the operating room, especially during complex or time-critical procedures.
Speakers from surgery, psychology, and human factors engineering will offer a multidisciplinary perspective on how to create resilient systems and foster a culture of safety. Whether you're a seasoned consultant or a trainee in orthopaedics or trauma surgery, this session will provide valuable tools to strengthen your non-technical skills and deliver better care—when it matters most.
Co-Chairs: James Tomlinson and Rajesh Nanda
Agenda
Chair Introduction: James Tomlinson & Rajesh Nanda
14:30 - 14:45 What can we learn from other professions? Professor Steven Yule
14:45 - 15:00 Smart Surgeons, Sharp Decisions Uttam Shiralkar
15:00 - 15:10 Lessons Learned From Interfenerational Communication Femi Ayeni
15:10 - 15:25 Why human factors matter in surgical performance and patient safety Eva Doherty
15:25 - 15:40 Why human factors matter in surgical performance and patient safety Emily Baird
15:40 - 16:00 Q&A
James is a Consultant Spinal Surgeon and Associate Medical Director for Education in Sheffield UK. He is a member of the NOTSS faculty has taught nationally and internationally on surgical non-technical skills and human factors and co-led a review of the NOTSS curriculum.
He also has a research interest in surgeon performance and non-technical skills.
Rajesh Nanda is a keen educationist working as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at University Hospital of North Tees & Hartlepool since 2010 with Subspecialty interest in Shoulder and Elbow surgery. He is affiliated as an Honorary Professor to the Teesside University. A member of BOA Education & Careers committee – Fellowships and Courses Lead.
He has a postgraduate certificate in Clinical Education, Fellowship of Northeast Leadership Academy and completed Education Leadership programme for surgeons (RCS England). He is a Fellow of the Faculty of Surgical Trainers of RCS Edinburgh. He is on the panel of Examiners for the FRCS(T&O) and Section 1 lead.
He has been a member of British Indian Orthopaedic Society and BESS Education committees.
Organises the MCh Orthopaedics course from Teesside University. Organises annual orthopaedic basic science course; shoulder and elbow symposium for physiotherapists and allied health professionals; joint injection courses for GP’s. He is an invited faculty to Orthopaedic courses and invited to speak at International and National conferences
He has an active research interest and reviewer for BJJ and Shoulder & Elbow Journal.
Is a college tutor and trainer for ST / CT trainees and offers SSC for medical students. Is involved in local and regional teaching programmes, ARCP panels and regional STC. He is the Guardian of safe working for doctors in training at his trust.
Professor Steven Yule leads cutting-edge research at the University of Edinburgh using AI, video, and sensor technologies to optimize surgical performance, enhance team dynamics, and improve patient safety in the digital operating room.
He is Chair of Behavioural Sciences and lead scientist of the Surgical Sabermetrics Laboratory (SaberLab), a pioneering research group that translates data-driven analytics and performance-enhancing techniques from elite sports to enhance surgical team effectiveness. SaberLab’s work is supported by federal agencies, foundations, societies, medical charities, and academic training grants. The lab collaborates with research groups at the intersection of surgery and psychology across Europe and North America and was honoured to be the inaugural recipient of the MacLeod McLaren Medal in Patient Safety, awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in June 2025.
An internationally recognized expert in non-technical skills and human performance, Professor Yule has studied high-stakes teamwork in surgery, spaceflight, and sport for over 25 years. He also directs the MSc in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors at University of Edinburgh; an innovative programme that trains healthcare leaders worldwide in systems thinking, non-technical skills, and digital health innovation to advance safer, higher-quality care.
In parallel with academic leadership, he serves as Faculty Director of Non-Technical Skills at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, chairing a steering committee shaping global standards in surgical education, team performance, and faculty development and leading an international faculty of over 125 surgical educators. Prior to joining Edinburgh, Prof Yule held the posts of Lecturer in Psychology (University of Aberdeen, 2007–2011) and Associate Professor of Surgery (Harvard Medical School, 2011–2022).
Through multidisciplinary collaboration, Steve’s mission is to translate scientific innovation into real-world solutions that transform healthcare delivery, improve lives, and benefit society.
Uttam Shiralkar worked as a surgeon for 15 years before switching to Psychiatry due to medical problems after a car accident. After becoming a psychiatrist, he realised how much a surgeon’s psychology impacts surgical performance. He felt the need for surgeons to be made aware of this issue to address problems in the current system. With that purpose, Uttam has been a surgical performance coach for over a decade, focusing on decision-making and operative skills. He has written award-winning books, conducted master classes for surgeons to improve surgical performance using cognitive techniques, and published research and invited articles on this subject.
Dr. Ayeni is a Professor and Academic Division Head of Orthopaedic Surgery at McMaster University, Canada. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence and Impact and Medical Director for the Hamilton Tiger Cats (Canadian Football League) and Forge FC (Canadian Premier League). Dr. Ayeni has been named a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Joint Preservation Surgery (2022-2027) by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and a University Scholar (2022-2026) at McMaster University. He is the Past-President of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association and was named a Member of the Royal Society of Canada, Class of 2025.
He has published over 400 academic publications in sports medicine and related research, as well as edited several textbooks. Dr. Ayeni is the Co-Chair for the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) Scientific Committee (2023) and Research Committee Chair for the International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (2021). Recently, he completed roles as Deputy Editor in Chief for the journal of Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy (KSSTA) and Scientific Editor for the Canadian Orthopaedic Association Bulletin and is now the Editor-in Chief for the Journal of ISAKOS. His clinical practice and research focus on minimally invasive orthopaedic interventions that treat joint injuries with the aim to prevent degenerative joint disease.
Eva is a practising Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor and Director of the Human Factors in Patient Safety (HFPS) training, research and assessment programmes at the National Surgical Training Centre, Department of Surgical Affairs, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland. The HFPS training is a mandatory component of the postgraduate professional training for surgical, emergency medicine, radiology and ophthalmology trainees. Each year over 100 interactive workshops and high fidelity simulation training courses are delivered to trainee doctors, doctors not currently in training and consultants on topics which include medical error, risk management, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, decision-making, open disclosure, emotional intelligence, crisis management, stress and well-being, professionalism and leadership. Eva pioneered and directs the academic Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Human Factors in Patient Safety which is an inter-professional one/two year part-time online programme. Eva has over 50 peer reviewed publications on topics relevant to clinical communication issues, curriculum development and personality factors in medical education and assessment. Eva acts as advisor to the National Healthcare Communication Programme in Ireland, HSE. She is a member of the ISQUA Expert Panel and the Independent National Patient Safety Council in the Department of Health. In recognition of Eva’s contribution to medical education and to communication training in healthcare, Eva was awarded a Principal Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy in the U.K. and an honorary fellowship by EACH International, the International Association for Communication in Healthcare.
Emily Baird is a Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, with an interest in paediatric trauma, and congenital conditions of the hip and foot. She trained primarily in the West of Scotland with Fellowships in Edinburgh and Toronto.
Emily is passionate about increasing diversity and inclusion in the workforce and broadening access to orthopaedics through mentorship and medical education. She is heavily involved in providing medical student education as an Undergraduate Lead, and Post Graduate Education as Training Programme Director for Orthopaedic Trainees in South East Scotland and examining for FRCS Tr & Orth.
She is the Chair of the Education Committee of The British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery, a Fellow of the Faculty of Surgical Trainers, Faculty Member for Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons and Tutor for the MSc in Patient Safety and Human Factors.
She lives in Edinburgh with her husband and two young boys, and likes to dance and run!