The operating room, OR, is a high-tech and complex domain in which clinicians' possession of clinical knowledge and good technical skills are essential, but not sufficient. Retrospective studies have shown that a large proportion of the mistakes that occur during surgery are not caused by lack of clinical skills but rather by insufficient communication and teamwork. Prospective studies have shown that insufficient teamwork in the OR causes a higher risk of complications and that communication failure in the surgical team causes procedural errors and delays. It is therefore evident, that surgeons and the surgical teams need skills in communication, teamwork, decision making and leadership (so called non-technical skills) to ensure a good outcome for surgical patients.