A new umbrella review looked at 17 reviews on non-technical skills (NTS) assessment and training for healthcare professionals in emergency departments. NTS include communication, teamwork, and decision-making. The review found that NTS training and assessment tools were linked to improvements in team behaviors and process performance, such as how quickly and smoothly teams work together.
However, the evidence is fragmented, and the direct impact on patient outcomes in routine emergency care remains unclear. Most of the included reviews came from high-income countries, which may limit how well the findings apply elsewhere. The review did not report any safety concerns or adverse events.
Because the evidence is still limited, it is not yet clear whether these training approaches lead to better patient outcomes in everyday emergency department practice. The findings highlight important considerations for hospitals looking to improve teamwork, but more research is needed to confirm the benefits.