The importance of nontechnical skills in leading cardiopulmonary resuscitation teams

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the important clinical competencies for medical trainees. Since the introduction of the first guidelines for CPR in 1966, further research has resulted in more recent updates. The latest in the UK was published in 2015 by the resuscitation council. The multidisciplinary nature of the resuscitation team requires a designated leader, capable of directing the team's effort and making decisions. There is evidence that leadership makes a difference in the performance of the resuscitation team and the outcome of patients. Research performed on leadership in emergency medicine highlighted the importance of the nontechnical skills displayed by CPR team leaders. Nontechnical skills refer to cognitive, behavioural and social skills that contribute to efficient team performance, such as task management, assertiveness, situational awareness, communication and decision-making. This review discusses the importance and applicability of nontechnical leadership skills in CPR based on current evidence in the literature and the clinical practice in UK hospitals.