Handling Risky Situations, Especially the Unexpected, With Elite Performance.

Abstract

Surgery is stressful and carries real risk for patients, surgeons, operating room professionals, and healthcare organization. To achieve the safest and best possible outcomes, surgeons need to execute a surgical plan based on evidence-based information with the highest level of technical skill. In addition, surgeons and their teams need to "expect the unexpected," manage their emotions and behaviors productively, stay calm and focused under pressure, and enact anticipated and in-the-moment contingency plans to avoid complications.