Investigating the Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Remote Video‐Based Coaching Intervention to Improve Surgeon Non‐Technical Skills in Rural Hospitals

Background Many adverse events are caused by failures of surgeons' non‐technical skills (NTS). The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a remote video‐based coaching (RVBC) intervention conducted in rural settings. Methods This study was a multi‐centre, prospective, pre‐post intervention study with ethical approval granted by CALHN HREC (ID#16888). Enrolled consultant surgeons were allocated a coach, then audio‐visually recorded in three clinical contexts (outpatient consultation, ward round and operating theatre) three times. The first round of filming formed the pre‐intervention baseline, the second round occurred after a single coaching session and the third occurred after two coaching sessions. After the first two rounds of filming, recordings were sent to coaches for review, followed by a one‐on‐one remote coaching session using teleconference. Feasibility was assessed across three metrics: recruitment and retention, data management and acceptability. Effectiveness was analysed through post‐intervention questionnaires and objective, blinded NTS assessment using validated tools. Results Eighteen surgeons were recruited, with 17 completing all rounds of filming and coaching. Most surgeons perceived RVBC as valuable, enabling the identification of strengths, weaknesses and strategies for improvement. Objective NTS improvements were seen for 13 out of 17 surgeons in ward rounds and 10 out of 17 surgeons in both clinic and operating theatre settings. Conclusion RVBC is feasible across multiple hospitals and clinical settings and was effective for the improvement of surgeons' NTS in most participating surgeons. RVBC could be offered to surgeons as an evidence‐based NTS improvement activity.