DA5018 - Enhancing Clinical Skills for Perioperative Practice

What will I learn on this module?

The BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice Integrated Degree Apprenticeship programme work-based route aims to ensure that students are able to demonstrate compassionate, safe, evidence-based and effective patient care, across the core areas of practice, at point of successful completion of the award (CODP, 2018).
The content of ODP Skills Module 4 will be informed by the proficiency standards outlined in the standards of proficiency for registered operating department practitioners (ODP’s) (HCPC 2023), building upon your knowledge of medicine administration whilst being exposed to the challenges of complex care needs.

As an Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) your learning on this module will be focused upon interventions associated with people of all ages who have complex care needs. To achieve this, you will explore the principles, approaches and concepts of safe practice within the perioperative setting and the delivery of holistic care to service users. You will undertake accurate drug calculations for a range of medications using a range of routes. You will build your knowledge of safe ethical medicines management with an emphasis on the clinical application of these skills and understanding. There will be a particular focus on the challenges of medicines optimisation in people with complex care needs, which requires understanding of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Alongside this you will learn to develop professional accountability to ensure safe administration of medicines, including competency in drug calculation. You will continue to develop your understanding of team working and its importance in operating department practice.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a variety of methods, which will include practice learning, Online Supported Learning (OSL), and through engagement with a simulated practice environment. Learning will be supplemented by relevant resources and training packages, which will include access to the department’s specialist Skills4Practice website: https://www.s4pwebsite.com/

Working collaboratively with your peers, to build your knowledge and understanding, your focus will be on the development of intermediate level operating department practice skills. Practise and rehearsal will help you to explore the complexities of working in teams and introduce you to the team working component of team development, reflecting the realities of delivering effective care for people of all ages in all healthcare settings.

The module will be delivered using a blend of BlackBoard Ultra and face-to-face practical sessions, underpinned by online learning resources. The focus of learning will be on rehearsal of perioperative skills to build proficiency. BlackBoard Ultra will be used to provide access to both field essential learning and the opportunity to access learning that supports a greater depth of knowledge beyond your field specific content.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by a module team of specialist lecturers. You will receive ongoing guidance and feedback to ensure you are able to engage with concepts of safe perioperative practice and health promotion in people of all ages with a range of common health conditions.

You will also be supported via the modules OSL systems in addition to face-to- face teaching and more formal classroom arrangements.

Additional study support is available from Ask 4 Help (on-line or face-to-face staff support) situated at Student Central at each campus. On-line resources and student support services can be accessed within the library and via the library homepage where there are a variety of study skills resources that can support your learning https://one.northumbria.ac.uk/service/sls/ssw/Pages/Home.aspx
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Extensive support from the programme team such as your Personal Tutor and the Programme Leader are also available to you throughout this module delivery.

You will also support each other via peer support, through engaging in discussion and debate to enhance your learning. Additional relevant materials, including the electronic reading list and other teaching and learning methods will be available via BlackBoard Ultra and library services. All support will be in line with any Disabled Student Services Recommendations (DSSR) https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/-/media/884c14e22461424ba52c7cf102152d70.ashx?h=16&thn=1&w=16&modified=20190808132301.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically explore and appreciate the impact of service user and carer involvement in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of the care delivered within perioperative and critical care settings.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Reflect upon and critically analyse the factors which influence homeostatic functions throughout the perioperative and critical care phases of care.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the factors influencing pain and the application of methods of pain management.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Explore, analyse and address the physiological, psychological and socio-cultural needs of Service Users during all phases of perioperative and critical care.

5. Recognise the factors/drivers influencing the management of varying client groups undergoing perioperative and critical care.

How will I be assessed?

Formative:

You will access SafeMedicate as a self-assessment tool to gauge your proficiency to carry out effective medicine administration in preparation for your summative assessment.
MLOs: 1,2,3 & 4

Summative:

Your summative assessment will be a 2500 word written assignment focussing on a chosen factor which influences the management of service users within the perioperative and/or critical care environments. (100% weighting)
MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Building on your learning from Operating Department Practice Skills module 3, this module prepares you for your chosen career as a future ODP. You will learn about the perioperative interventions associated with people of all ages who have complex care needs. To achieve this, you will explore the principles, approaches and concepts of safe practice within the perioperative setting and the delivery of holistic care to service users.

Medicines management is a key part of safe and effective perioperative care and this module you will explore the principles, approaches and concepts of safe medicines administration in perioperative practice. To assist your learning of medicine administration and accurate drug calculations for a range of medications the e-learning platform SafeMedicate will be used. Skills rehearsal you will allow you to gain confidence and proficiency in the full range of medicines administration and management techniques appropriate to perioperative practice.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

Operating Department Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship | Operating Department Practice BSc (Hons)

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

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All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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