Curriculum Information

This module will develop knowledge and skills within the surgical field enabling to work efficiently as a member of the perioperative interdisciplinary team.
Theoretical Topics to be Explored:
How to plan and coordinate and manage elective surgical lists alongside the interdisciplinary team
Understand the pre-operative assessment and planning for emergency perioperative patients.
Consider the care of patients undergoing surgery with a variety of comorbidities.
Maintenance of the sterile field during contaminated conditions such as bowel perforation, emergency surgical admission and shared airway surgery.
Surgical wound assessment, wound management and good practice within the intraoperative phase of surgery to reduce surgical site infections.
Development of human factors, situational awareness and effective teamwork within surgical practice
Developing knowledge of perioperative practice to include preparation of the environment, specialised equipment and positioning of patients for a range of common procedures for the following surgical specialties:
• Ear Nose and Throat
• Plastics and Maxillofacial
• Paediatrics
• Obstetrics
• Vascular
• Cardiothoracic
• Neurosurgery
Development of Clinical skills to include:
Problem solving and management of emergency scenarios within surgical practice including:
• Assessment of the perioperative patient when assisting the surgeon.
• Uncontrolled bleeding during laparoscopic surgery
• Management of anaphylaxis while scrubbed
• Life support during surgical practice
Clinical skills to safely support the surgeon:
• Skin preparation and draping of the patient to create the sterile field.
• Cutting of superficial sutures and ties and the management of sharps in practice
• Assistance with wound closure including application of dressings.
• The principles and use of autologous blood collection during surgery.
• Supporting the surgical team with the preparation and use of pharmacological agents
• Supporting the surgical team with the preparation and use of surgical implant devices.
• Participation and leadership of the WHO surgical safety checklist
Effective communication between departments using a range of communication tools (including SBAR) in the management of the elective perioperative theatre list.
Legal and Professional Topics to include:
Documentation and record keeping for the intraoperative care phase including patient information systems, implant tracing and specimens.
Accurate documentation and handover of the operative procedure including medications, wound management and post anaesthetic care requirements.