This module incorporates the main practice element of this academic level. You will cover and be expected to undertake key proficiencies within the operating department and surrounding contexts. These proficiencies will be outlined in your clinical practice documentation and are relevant to the expectations of a student at Level 4.

The module will look at autonomy and accountability in relation to decision making, evidence-based practice, clinical decision making, creative thinking, care priority, care pathways, introduction to reflective work and reflective models. An introduction to wellbeing will also be included, alongside personal wellbeing strategies including topics such as producing happy hormones, boundary setting, procrastination, self-compassion, support networks, mindfulness, grounding, breathing techniques and free writing.

The module will explore the 5-stage approach to simulation, with an introduction to manikins, debriefing models and placement debrief, peer support and a buddying system as well as an introduction to clinical placement – sights, sound and smells. Simulation content will be based upon a combination of student feedback from the first practice placement, fundamental clinical skills module, clinical practice competencies and practice partner feedback.

Summative assessment

You will complete a continuous professional development (CPD) portfolio of evidence, for which a template will be provided. (Learning Outcome 3)

1500 word written reflective piece. (Learning Outcome 2)

This forms the graded aspect of this module and will involve you reflecting upon how your personal wellbeing can impact upon your clinical practice. This is not to assess your personal wellbeing itself, but rather your understanding of how it links to your professional practice. This is an essential aspect of understanding that will be of benefit to your practice both as a student and as a qualified professional.

Completed clinical practice document (PARE). (Learning Outcome 1) This will form the record of your achievement of proficiencies in practice during the placement aspects of this academic year.

All elements of assessment must be passed to complete the module.

Formative assessment

You will be given the opportunity to discuss your continuous professional development and wellbeing workbook with your Academic Mentor at your academic reviews.

You will be able to submit a 1-page A4 plan of your assignment into a formative gateway prior to a face-to-face tutorial with your Academic Mentor, this may form part of your second or third Academic Mentor meeting that takes place.

Learning strategies for this module will include a mixture of simulation, clinical skills, lectures, seminars, group work, independent study, educational games, case studies and service users (this may be live or recorded cases and can include staff members as service users). This module also benefits from timetabled Buddy/Peer support sessions and both virtual and traditional clinical practice learning hours linked to the 5 Stage approach to learning.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the clinical practice setting as outlined in the Operating Department Practice Level 4 practice assessment documentation.
Knowledge and Understanding Learning Application Problem solving Enquiry Communication

2. Demonstrate an understanding of personal wellbeing strategies and reflect upon how your personal wellbeing can impact upon your clinical practice.
Knowledge and Understanding Learning Reflection

3. Demonstrate evidence of further learning and transferable skills using an appropriate portfolio of evidence.

Application Reflection

Simulation and Simmersion space

Clinical Skills Laboratory

Manikins and consumables

Access to the VLE

Classrooms

Health & Care Professions Council (2022) The standards of proficiency for operating department practitioners[online]. Available from:Operating department practitioners | (hcpc-uk.org)

Health & Care Professions Council (2016) Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics [Online]. Available from: http://www.hcpc-uk.org/assets/documents/10004EDFStandardsofconduct,performanceandethics.pdf

Landoni, G., Ruggeri, L. and Zangrillo, A. (2017) Reducing Mortality in the Perioperative Period. Cham: Springer International Publishing AG.

Moutrey, S. (2017) Fundamentals of Surgical Instruments. Shrewsbury: TFM Publishing

Rodger, D. (2022) Fundamentals of operating department practice. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Tanguay, E., Hanratty, P. and Martin, B. (2020) Reflective Writing for Nursing, Health and Social Work. London: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Wicker, P. (2015) Perioperative practice at a glance. 1st ed. Hoboken: Wiley.

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This is a module based primarily in clinical practice where you will apply the theory that you have learnt in university to patient care in the Operating Department. The module is supported by clinical placements where you will participate in the development and assessment of your clinical skills and applied knowledge. You will have the opportunity to develop and practice essential clinical skills in the skills laboratory as well as opportunities to practice patient care in the simulated environment. This module also has a wellbeing focus to equip you with the tools and confidence to be a resilient practitioner. This includes mindfulness, breathing techniques, peer support and introduction to a Buddying system.