Speakers
James Tomlinson
Rajesh Nanda
Eva Doherty
Steven Yule
Uttam Shiralkar
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 & Rajesh Nanda
Agenda
Why human factors matter in surgical performance and patient safety
Eva Doherty, Director of Human Factors and Patient Safety Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland
What can we learn from other professions?
Steven Yule, Professor of Behavioural Sciences, University of Edinburgh
Smart Surgeons, Sharp Decisions
Uttam Shiralkar, Surgical Performance Coach and Consultant Psychiatrist
How can we train our residents in Human Factors to maximise performance?
Emily Baird, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, NHS Lothian
Q&A
James is a Consultant Spinal Surgeon in Sheffield UK. He has a significant interest in surgical education and training and is Education TPD for Yorkshire & Humber and Deputy Director of the Faculty of Surgical Trainers, RCSEd.
He is a member of the NOTSS faculty has taught nationally and internationally on surgical non-technical skills and human factors.
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.
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!