Program Overview
This BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice program prepares students to become Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs), who provide crucial patient care before, during, and after surgery. The program combines academic study with clinical placements, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for success in the field. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for HCPC registration and pursue diverse career paths in perioperative practice, leadership, or research.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program is designed for individuals interested in becoming Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs), a crucial part of the healthcare team assisting patients before, during, and after surgery. The program combines academic study with clinical practice, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to:
- Understand the perioperative environment and its complexities.
- Develop a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology relevant to surgical procedures.
- Master essential perioperative practice skills, including scrub and circulating activities, anaesthetic techniques, and post-anaesthesia care.
- Gain proficiency in inter-professional collaboration and communication within the healthcare team.
- Apply evidence-based practice principles to their work.
- Prepare for advanced perioperative practice and leadership roles.
Outline:
The program is structured over three years, with a combination of academic study and clinical placements.
Year 1:
- Basic anatomy and physiology for perioperative practice: Introduces fundamental anatomical and physiological principles, focusing on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
- Introduction to perioperative practice skills: Provides an overview of the operating theatre environment, safety protocols, and key structures governing the healthcare sector.
- Caring for individuals in the perioperative environment: Emphasizes individualised care, considering the impact of surgical procedures on patients' lives and addressing cultural and social factors.
- Understanding fundamental surgery practice: Covers core aspects of scrub and circulating activities in various surgical specialties.
- Understanding fundamental anaesthetic practice: Focuses on anaesthetic-related activities and responsibilities within the operating department.
- Concepts of inter-professional and collaborative practice: Introduces the importance of inter-professional collaboration in healthcare delivery, developing communication and partnership working skills.
Year 2:
- Developing Operating Department Practice skills – complex care needs: Builds upon Year 1 skills, focusing on advanced physiological parameters, complex clinical conditions, and mandatory specialist areas like trauma, obstetrics, and ENT/Maxillo facial.
- Ambulatory care/ Day surgery practice skills: Develops skills related to the entire patient journey in day surgery and ambulatory care, including patient assessment, short-stay anaesthetic and surgical management, and discharge procedures.
- Applied anatomy and physiology for perioperative practice: Extends anatomical and physiological knowledge, exploring renal physiology, endocrine disorders, the nervous system, and disease processes.
- Post anaesthesia care skills: Focuses on the unique needs of patients in the immediate post-operative period, including identifying potential complications and addressing emotional and psychological needs.
- Scope of professional practice for Operating Department Practitioners: Explores the scope of practice for qualified ODPs and its future development.
- Appraising evidence for research informed practice: Equips students with the skills to appraise evidence and assess its relevance to practice, covering research methods, data analysis, and presentation.
Year 3:
- Preparation for Advanced Perioperative Practice: Develops advanced perioperative skills, including the care of children in the perioperative setting, and prepares students for autonomous practice.
- Contemporary issues in perioperative practice: Addresses current issues impacting patients and professionals, including the management of complex needs, technological advancements, and healthcare policy changes.
- Enhanced recovery and emergency care in theatres: Prepares students for the care of critically ill perioperative patients and managing clinical emergencies.
- Improving quality, change management and leadership: Explores leadership, quality improvement, and change management within healthcare organizations from an inter-professional perspective.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Written examinations: Assess theoretical knowledge and understanding of concepts.
- Practical assessments: Evaluate students' skills and competency in performing perioperative procedures.
- Clinical placements: Provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in real-world settings.
- Portfolio development: Allows students to document their learning journey and reflect on their experiences.
Teaching:
The program employs a range of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Deliver theoretical knowledge and provide an overview of key concepts.
- Seminars: Facilitate interactive discussions and encourage critical thinking.
- Workshops: Provide hands-on training and practical skills development.
- Clinical placements: Offer supervised learning experiences in real-world healthcare settings.
- Small group tutorials: Provide personalized support and guidance.
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty members with expertise in operating department practice and related fields. They are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience and preparing them for successful careers.
Careers:
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for registration as ODPs with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This allows them to practice in the UK and other countries.
Potential Career Paths:
- Operating Department Practitioner: Working in operating theatres, providing care and expertise to patients before, during, and after surgery.
- Team Leader or Senior ODP: Leading and supervising teams of ODPs.
- Research, Education, Training, and Management: Pursuing careers in research, education, training, or management within the healthcare sector.
Other:
- The program includes a dedicated Operating Department Practice (ODP) critical care laboratory, designed to simulate hospital acute care environments.
- Students have access to the University's Employability Service, which provides support with career planning, job searching, and professional development.
- The program is accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners.
Fees for international students are £16900. Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases.
Home
UK fee: £9250 Total course fee: £27750
International
International fee: £16900 Total course fee: £50700
