Curriculum Information

This module will equip students with the skills to undertake autonomous practice as a scrub practitioner and the ability to practice as a Surgical First Assistant upon completion
Theoretical Topics to include:
Revisiting Halsted’s principles as the Surgical First Assistant
Infection prevention within the role of the surgical first assistant.
Problem solving without minimising quality of care within surgical practice
Wound management and selection of closure and dressing materials within surgical practice
Decision making on VTE prophylaxis, tissue viability and surgical site infections within surgical practice
Development of Clinical Skills to include:
Preparation of the perioperative environment and equipment for complex surgical procedures and the surgical first assistant
Maintenance of the surgical field as the surgical first assistant
Preparation and administration of medication adhering to local and national guidance within surgical practice.
Management and assistance of clinical emergencies in the role of the surgical first assistant.
Effective handling and maintenance of instrumentation as a member of the surgical team including camera holding and deep tissue retraction.
Effective handling and manipulation of organs for exposure or access to surgical site.
Use of suction, diathermy and other methods to achieve haemostasis within perioperative practice.
Suturing of skin layers and wound drains within surgical practice
Urinary catheterisation of the male and female patient
Legal and professional topics to include:
Documentation and handover in the role of the surgical first assistant.
Effective communication, team working and task allocation and acknowledgement of the role of the surgical first assistant in human factors within perioperative practice.