Crisis Resource Management and Non-Technical Skills Training in Anesthesia: A Narrative Review.

Abstract

Adverse medical events remain a serious concern worldwide; deficiencies in human factors contribute to a large proportion of medical incidents and preventable patient harm. In anesthesiology, where high-risk and complex clinical events are routine, non-technical skills (NTS)-including communication, teamwork, situational awareness, and decision-making-play a critical role in preventing errors during high-acuity emergencies. Furthermore, Crisis Resource Management (CRM) provides a structured framework for enhancing team performance and coordination during medical crises by emphasizing effective leadership, task management, and the optimal allocation of resources within a multidisciplinary team. Simulation-based training is central to teaching and assessing NTS; validated tools such as the Anesthetists' Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) system allow objective evaluation of team performance and behaviors across various clinical scenarios. This modality is particularly effective because it incorporates structured debriefing, enabling practitioners to reflect on their clinical performance in a safe, risk-free environment. Evidence shows that CRM- and NTS-focused simulation training improves crisis response, adherence to protocols, and clinical outcomes. Despite widespread international adoption, CRM and NTS training in Poland remains limited because of institutional and systemic barriers. Implementation of structured CRM and NTS curricula in Poland could enhance patient safety, foster effective teamwork, and reduce medical errors, particularly in high-risk clinical settings, thus aligning Polish medical education with international standards. This narrative review synthesizes global evidence regarding the effectiveness of CRM and NTS training, highlights the benefits of simulation-based training and its impact on long-term skill decay, and identifies gaps in Polish residency programs.