BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice program at Edge Hill University prepares students for a career as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) in the UK healthcare system. The program combines approximately 50% practice and 50% theory, with experienced tutors and clinical placements providing hands-on experience. Graduates are qualified to work in various settings, including NHS trusts, independent hospitals, and private medical sales companies.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Year 1:
• Anatomy and Physiology in Perioperative Practice: Introduces the basic scientific principles that enable an understanding of the structure and function of the body in health and disease across the human lifespan that may require surgical and/or anaesthetic intervention.
• Clinical Practice and Simulation 1: Develops proficiency in a range of practical and professional experiences to develop and acquire key skills which are underpinned by professional knowledge.
• Fundamental Principles of Perioperative Care: Enables the development of knowledge and understanding of some of the principles relating to perioperative practice.
• Legal, Ethical and Social Issues in Perioperative Care: Provides knowledge and understanding of these key areas to empower students to act as an advocate for the perioperative patient.
• Preparation for Professional Practice: Enables the development of knowledge and understanding of fundamental operating department practice.
• Year 2:
• Appraising Research in Health and Social Care: Introduces the core methods which underpin quantitative and qualitative research designs and the application of research evidence to practice.
• Clinical Practice and Simulation 2: Consolidates skills in relation to clinical and professional practice.
• Holistic Perioperative Care Across the Lifespan: Enables the development of knowledge and skills in providing holistic care for patients across the age spectrum in all aspects of perioperative care.
• Pharmacology in Perioperative Practice: Enables the development of knowledge and understanding of drugs used in the perioperative setting.
• Principles of Post-Anaesthetic Care: Enables the development of knowledge and understanding of post-anaesthesia recovery.
• Year 3:
• Clinical Practice and Simulation 3: Offers a range of practical and professional experiences to achieve proficiency in key skills which are underpinned by professional knowledge.
• Enhanced Skills in Perioperative Practice: Enables the development of knowledge and understanding of the principles of enhanced scrub practice, utilising an evidence-based approach.
• Emergency Care in Anaesthesia: Prepares students to participate in the safe delivery of care at acute stages of the patient’s perioperative journey.
• Leadership and Governance: Focuses on the importance of effective collaborative inter-professional relationships, developing an understanding of human factors and the resolution of potential inter-professional conflicts.

Assessment:

• Exams
• Written assignments
• Oral presentations
• Oral examinations
• Practical exams called Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
• Practical assessments in the clinical placement area and in clinical skills facilities

Teaching:

• Experienced tutors with an extensive background as nurses and operating department practitioners in perioperative care
• Anaesthetists, perioperative practitioners, practice facilitators, workplace mentors, and other academic members of staff

Careers:

• Operating department practitioners within the UK
• NHS trusts
• Independent sector hospitals
• Private medical sales companies
• Organ transplant teams
• Academia
• Anaesthetic practitioner
• Surgical practitioner
• Surgical first assistant
• Surgical care practitioner
• Physicians associate
• Non-medical anaesthetist

Other:

• The course is approximately 50% practice and 50% theory.
• Class sessions are in large blocks and occur throughout the year, followed by the necessary weeks of clinical practice.
• Students will be working in a placement in either Merseyside, East Cheshire or Greater Manchester.
• As operating departments are accessible 24 hours a day, students may be required to work at weekends, evenings and night time as well as through the day.
• Students are responsible for travel to and from placements but travel costs can be reimbursed.

2024/25 Tuition fees UK Full-Time £9,250 a year The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course. Money Matters EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support.