This module incorporates the main practice element required for level 4 ODP students. 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.

Mandatory training will be a key aspect of this module and requires completion annually, this will include online and practical assessments, examples of the mandatory training required are Basic Life Support, Manual Handling, Handwashing and infection control.

The module will look at autonomy and accountability in relation to decision making, evidence-based practice, clinical decision making, with an introduction to reflective work and reflective models.

A Service User Conference will provide you with the opportunity to learn from service users as they share their experiences of healthcare.

Placement areas will be organised by the University and overseen by a lead practice educator and Practice Educators and Supervisors based within Trust.

Due to the professional nature of this course this practice assessment documentation outcomes must be completed and passed prior to progression to Level 5 study.

Assessment 1

Practice Assessment Document
Weighting: 0% (Pass/Fail)

Assesses module learning outcomes 1 and 2

This assessment requires you to demonstrate safe and effective professional behaviour, foundational assessment skills, and collaborative clinical decision-making while on supervised practice placement. You must complete all elements of the PARE (Practice Assessment Record and Evaluation) electronic record, which records the achievement of required competencies across communication, and assessment. Competencies must be observed and signed off by an approved practice educator or mentor in line with the HCPC professional standards.

Rationale: This assessment ensures you can apply core skills in authentic practice environments and evidence the behaviours required for safe practice as a student ODP.

Assessment 2

Drug Calculations Examination
Weighting: 0% (Pass/Fail)

Assesses learning outcome 3

You will undertake an online drug calculation examination. This element is Pass/Fail and you must achieve at least an 80% score to pass this exam. This will test your underpinning knowledge and application of drug calculations and will help to prepare you to undertake these skills within the practice environment.

Rationale: Safe and accurate drug calculations form a critical part of the role of an Operating Department Practitioner. This assessment lays the foundations for this skill to develop as you progress through the course.

Assessment 3

Reflection on Simulated or Clinical Practice Experience (1000 words)
Weighting: 100%

Assesses learning outcome 4

Towards the end of the module, you will undertake a 1000-word reflection, drawing on an experience from simulated or clinical practice, to analyse your performance and identify priorities for your ongoing professional development.

The reflection is assessed summatively using the University’s generic marking criteria.

Rationale: Reflection is an essential component of professional practice. This assessment enables you to appraise your emerging skills, engage with feedback and demonstrate insight into how simulation-based learning supports continuous improvement.

Learning strategies for this module will include a mixture of simulation, clinical skills, lectures, seminars, group work, independent study and service users (this may be live or recorded cases and can include staff members as service users).

1. Collaborate with practice educator to demonstrate proficiency within the practice environment as outlined in the level 4 practice assessment document.

Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

2. Apply foundation skills in the clinical practice setting, including the use of digital tools.

Application & Problem Solving
Digital Literacy

3. Demonstrate simple safe drug calculations.

Application & Problem-Solving

4. Reflect upon own skillset within the practice environment, including analysis and action plan of your learning needs.

Reflection
Personal Development and entrepreneurship

Simulation and Simmersion space
Clinical Skills Laboratory
Manikins and consumables
Access to the VLE
Classrooms
Online drugs calculations

Health & Care Professions Council (2024) Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics [Online]. Available from:

https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-conduct-performance-and-ethics/

Health & Care Professions Council (2023) The standards of proficiency for operating department practitioners[online]. Available from: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/operating-department-practitioners/

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.

This module will predominantly take place within clinical practice where you will apply the theory that you have learnt in university to patient care in the Operating Department. You will gain valuable knowledge in the application of clinical guidelines and adherence to professional standards both clinically and within the university setting.

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.