Human factors and human nature in cardiothoracic surgery

In the June 2016 edition of the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Fann et al. eloquently outline approaches to minimize factors that may affect cardiothoracic surgical outcomes including minimizing external distractions, improving interpersonal communication and teamwork, and mitigating work-related stress (1). In this article there were parallels drawn between the aviation trade and the cardiothoracic surgical community. This comparison has long been established, and there are inherent similarities including the countless hours needed to perfect their trade, the skill and stamina needed to execute a long flight or case, and situational awareness. However, the differences between the two must also be evaluated.