Davidson M, Oeppen R S, Hardie J, Al-Gholmy M, Brennan P A. Briefings: what can surgical and minimally invasive interventional teams learn from airline flight deck practice? Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2022; DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2022.11.006.

Team briefings break down barriers.

Cockpit checklists are compulsory in the aviation industry before, during and after flights. Introducing the principles learnt from such checklists may reduce errors in an operating theatre or dental practice. The principles are facilitated by team briefings and include:

  1. 1.

    Lowering authority gradients - giving nurses and other staff permission to speak up if something doesn't appear right. Whilst leadership is essential, it is equally important that others in the room are not cowered into silence by an authoritarian leadership style. Each team member should be aware of their delegated responsibilities

  2. 2.

    Building situational awareness by discussing 'what if' scenarios and discussing options before a situation deteriorates. Awareness of time passing in a lengthy procedure is important to prevent avoidable tiredness, hunger or thirst

  3. 3.

    Distractions are well recognised and have a negative impact on performance. Local rules to prevent unwanted disturbances while a procedure is being carried out should be in place.