Attitude, Behaviour and Communication are important

* Whatever we do, should communicate to patients

* Governor of Telangana Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan on inauguration of NOTSS course in KIMS Hosptials

* The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh conducts course

* NOTSS masterclasses to be counducted across the country

Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana inaugurated the much acclaimed First Non Technical Skills Course (NOTSS), which is being conducted by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCS Ed – the oldest Surgical College in the World) in partnership with The Association of Surgeons of India (ASI – Asia Pacific’s largest and the World’s second largest Surgical Association) at KIMS Hospitals on Sunday in Secunderabad.

Whilst addressing the 250 surgeons and surgical trainees who have travelled from across the length and breadth of India to attend this landmark one day Course, the Governor paid rich tributes to  Dr Raghu Ram, the Convener for International Affairs of ASI. She said “Today is a significant day as it marks the birthday of our Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi, Telangana Liberation Day, and the ongoing CME program for surgeons at KIMS Hospitals. Although it is a busy day for me, I couldn’t resist attending this program after Dr. Raghuram informed me about it. As a doctor, I felt it was my responsibility to be present here. Dr. Bhaskar Rao, whom I admire greatly, leads KIMS, and their inspiring logo depicts a patient jumping with joy after receiving treatment. Furthermore, it’s excellent to see Miss Clare McNaught leading RCS ED, and I not only congratulate her but also hope more women come forward to take up leadership positions. I’m delighted that Dr. Raghu Ram has taken the initiative to spearhead the NOTSS Course in India, which empowers surgeons with the essential non-technical skills required to perform surgery safely in the operating room. I have seen firsthand Dr. Raghu Ram’s innovative initiatives towards improving the delivery of Breast cancer care in India, such as illuminating Raj Bhavan in Pink to mark the beginning of breast cancer awareness month – Hyderabad Raj Bhavan is the first and the only Raj Bhavan to turn pink to create awareness about early detection of breast cancer. Dr. Bhaskar Rao informed me that all staff in the operating theatre should have an understanding of the procedures, which is why this course is essential. As an experienced doctor, I have learned that Attitude, Behaviour, and Communication (A, B, and C) are crucial. Communication skills are essential for doctors as they help them to understand the patient’s problems and communicate the gravity of the situation and how they saved their lives. This training is extremely useful in enhancing communication skills.

I didn’t choose politics because I lacked practice. I am a trained gynecologist and obstetrician, as well as a certified Fetal Therapy specialist – the second doctor in India to have that training. I used to manage two clinics and consult with 10 hospitals, often working until 1 a.m. due to my passion for medicine. However, I ultimately decided to pursue politics while working as a physician. Despite the amazing technical advancements we have, effective communication is still crucial. My husband is a nephrologist who takes the time to speak with his patients in detail, even remembering important dates such as birthdays and marriage anniversaries. While most nephrologists may not take note of such things, they are overjoyed to see the first urine drop after a successful kidney transplant.

All our actions are centered around the well-being of patients. As a governor, my every move is aimed at serving the people. If their needs are not met, our efforts are futile. This program drew participants from different corners, including Kashmir to Kanyakumari in India. KIMS Hospitals consistently leads in organizing CME programs and I commend Dr. Raghuram and ASI for their efforts. This course conducted by Miss Clare McNaught and the UK faculty is a great achievement for Telangana and will benefit surgeons and the country as a whole” said Dr. Tamilisai. She expressed her congratulations and gratitude towards them.

Dr. B. Bhaskar Rao, Chairman & Managing Director of KIMS said “I warmly welcome Surgeons from all over India and KIMS Hospitals is proud to host the first NOTSS introductory Course. I congratulate & thank Dr Raghu Ram for placing KIMS Hospitals on the world map of the RCS Ed. I am aware that he has conducted Courses on behalf of the RCS Ed in KIMS Hospitals for well over a decade that has helped over 2000 surgeons to pass FRCS and MRCS Examinations without the need for going to the UK. KIMS Hospitals has also been the centre for Intercollegiate final MRCS Examinations, thanks to Dr Raghu Ram’s proactive role in academics & education.”

Dr P. Raghu Ram, Convener, International Affairs for Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) said “It has been my dream to bring this extremely useful Course to India during my Presidential term at ASI in 2020. But COVID pandemic played spoil sport. I am so very happy to be organising the first Course in my hometown. Technical skills alone are not enough for best outcomes after surgery. Poor communication is a common yet much ignored factor that accounts for errors made during surgery. Failure to select the patients properly; forgetting to give the prophylactic antibiotic; failure to mark the correct site; are all issues that are as important as doing an operation, which in fact determines the outcome of the patient. This Course covers these important aspects of care in the operating theatre. Having primed the surgical fraternity in the Country with this introductory Course, in the fullness of time, it is my wish and desire that  “NOTSS Masterclasses” will be held in four zones in Bharat – Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolakta and Mumbai.”

Miss. Clare McNaught, Vice President, RCS Ed said “I am delighted to represent the RCS Ed alongside my colleagues from the UK in delivering this first introductory NOTSS course in Hyderabad. The Royal College, which is the oldest Surgical Royal College in the world has developed a robust educational system for assessment and training of essential non-technical skills such as cognitive (ie, decision making) and interpersonal (ie, teamwork) skills that are extremely invaluable for surgeons and their operating teams. I commend Dr Raghu Ram for having invested his time and efforts to ensure highest ever participation for an Introductory Course ever held by the Royal College in the UK and overseas.”

Dr Sanjay Jain, President ASI said “We are very grateful to RCS Ed for partnering with ASI in conducting this Course, which would undoubtedly provide the much needed non technical skills that can be applied in day to day practice by surgeons all over India.”

The entire leadership of ASI namely Dr Sanjay Jain, President ASI, Dr Probal Neogi – Vice President ASI, Dr Shiva Misra – Vice President National Board of Examinations, Dr Santhosh John Abraham – Director, Academic Council ASI and Dr Bhanwar Yadav – Hon.Treasurer ASI participated in this first of its kind initiative and lent their unstinting support to the initiative spearheaded by Dr Raghu Ram.

Learning Outcomes of the Course as outlined by Dr Raghu Ram include

On completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of non-technical skills and error management to surgical performance
• Observe and discuss examples of good and poor behaviours in the operating theatre
• Use a taxonomy of non-technical skills
• Rate behaviours using the NOTSS rating scale
• Provide structured feedback to trainees/other consultant surgeons based on observations
• Discuss how non-technical failures can lead to poor clinical outcomes.