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). As an Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner (ODP), you will be learning about the legislative and policy drivers that shape care delivery; locally, nationally and globally. The module examines the tools used to ensure evidence-based practice is delivered, taught, managed, evaluated and adapted to fit the needs of all surgical service users and perioperative staff and associates.
You will learn how to synthesise information and consolidate your knowledge, skills and abilities so that you can move into a more advanced stage of your professional development. You will learn about the accountability and responsibility of managing a team. You will design a practice development dissertation so you can learn about the necessity for scholarship. This will be captured in a formative project proposal focussing on a particular clinical topic; one embedded in the real world of perioperative practice and service user/carer experience. Completing a practice development proposal will provide insight and experience of various stages of inquiry, project management, problem solving and decision-making and the need for emotional intelligence. The module will continue to support your engagement in a holistic and systematic approach to perioperative practice; with critical analysis of systems, models and cross boundary working used in health and social care. During this module, you will learn about the process of transitioning from student to an accountable practitioner; this will encompass your roles as a leader, practice developer, creative and independent thinker, and someone who can challenge peers and colleagues appropriately. The module will facilitate some key components of your employability.
How will I learn on this module?
The module offers a variety of strategies to assist your learning and support you to undertake your Practice Development Dissertation. This includes a range of e-lectures, practical workshops and regular meetings with a named supervisor. Blackboard Ultra will be the platform on which your learning material will be presented, as well as face-to-face workshops, of which some will be academic led and others student led.
You will be encouraged to work and learn collaboration with peers and the inter-professional team to build your knowledge and understanding. This will introduce you to principles of partnership, collaboration and teamwork, which is so important when conducting a successful practice development.
These learning opportunities are designed to provide you with the knowledge, confidence and guidance to develop research skills and an in-depth understanding of the generation of evidence-based practice to improve and develop perioperative practice.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will obtain support from face to face dialogue with academic staff during seminars and workshops. You will utilise peer support during the directed and independent parts of the module. You will be provided with a group tutorial to support your summative assessment; this will be part of a seminar. You will also be supported via the modules online supported learning (OSL) systems in addition to face-to-face teaching and group work activities and discussion. You will be able to contact the module team in person, by email or phone and through the Blackboard Ultra. Skills Plus, the University Library’s collection of online learning materials on Blackboard Ultra can be used to support the development of your academic skills. Further support for your learning is provided with a 24 hour IT Helpline, a comprehensive range of services through the Student Support and Wellbeing Team and the University’s student portal, which gives help and advice on student enquiries. https://one.northumbria.ac.uk/service/sls/ssw/Pages/Home.aspx
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. Critical appreciation and understanding of the theory and practice of applied healthcare research.
2. Critical analysis of a perioperative topic/issue of the student’s choice.
3. Critical understanding of the complexity of practice development and change management.
Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:
4. Conceptualise a practice development proposal and establish its relevance to perioperative practice.
5. Demonstrate the skills in undertaking a practice development project in the perioperative environment.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
6. Confidently defend informed judgements about the way the practice development is planned and conducted and evaluated ensuring professional values and accountability are articulated in academic practice.
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment:
Provision of formative feedback on performance will be an ongoing process through group/class discussion in formal scheduled teaching, and will align to the criteria of the summative assessment.
A 1000-word formative proposal of the intended practice development.
Working in small peer groups you will formally present your chosen practice development study. You will receive peer and facilitator feedback against the assessment criteria.
(MLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Summative Assessment:
This will be a 6000-word Practice Development Dissertation and will be submitted for assessment electronically via Turntin There will be written feedback and feedforward provided via Turnitin.
(MLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
As an Apprentice ODP, this yearlong (third year) module will enable you to experience, develop firsthand practice development, leadership, and change management skills. You will have the opportunity to apply principles of partnership, collaboration and interagency working to research and the development of a practice improvement idea. You will be encouraged to understand health legislation and current health and social care policies, which influence health research and research priorities. These areas of knowledge will be used to inform your Practice Development Dissertation designed to explore an area of improvement when providing safe, effective and person-centred perioperative care for people of all ages. This is a yearlong module providing the time to develop a topic, which reflects the complexities of undertaking change management, leadership team working, and evaluation in the clinical settings.
Course info
Credits 40
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
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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