In this practice module, you will apply the fundamental skills and knowledge developed in year one to a range of complex situations in the operating department. This will include delivering perioperative care in a range of specialised areas (e.g. ENT, obstetrics) as well as introducing recovery care. Due to the professional nature of this award, this module is supported by a range of clinical placements (arranged by the University).

Equipment used in specialist areas of anaesthesia and surgery
Deteriorating patient
Developing self-awareness
Adult & Child safeguarding
Moving & handling (update)
Handwashing
BLS adult (update)
Paediatric Basic Life Support
Drug calculations
Medicines management & drug administration
Reflection
Simulation and skills practice
Service User Conference
Wellbeing

Assessment 1

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

Assesses module learning outcome 1.

This assessment requires you to demonstrate safe and effective professional behaviour 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. Competencies must be observed and signed off by an approved practice educator in line with 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 level 5 student ODP.

Due to the professional nature of this course this practice assessment documentation outcomes must be completed and passed prior to progression to Level 6 study.

Assessment 2

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

Assesses learning outcome 3.

You will undertake an online drug calculation package. This element is Pass/Fail and you must achieve at least an 90% 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. At level 5, this will include more complex calculations, particularly those pertaining to the administration of intravenous drugs.

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 (2000 words)
Weighting: 100%

Assesses learning outcome 2.

You will complete a structured 2000-word critical reflection drawing on an experience from simulated or clinical practice, identify strengths and areas for development, and plan ongoing professional growth. Your reflection must demonstrate critical engagement with feedback, understanding of advanced assessment expectations, and insight into your evolving practice as a student ODP.

The submission will be evaluated using the University’s generic marking criteria.

Rationale: Reflection is an essential component of professionalism and supports the development of clinical judgement, self-awareness and continuous improvement. This assessment allows you to evidence increasingly sophisticated reflective skills appropriate for Level 5.

Learning strategies for this module will include a mixture of simulation, clinical skills, lectures, seminars, group work, independent study and service users.

1. Collaborate with Practice Educators and the multi disciplinary team to promote safe and effective care within the practice environment as outlined in the practice assessment document.

Critical reasoning & Collaboration
Application & Problem Solving

2. Demonstrate a critical reflective approach to continuing professional development, acknowledging own strengths and limitations.

Reflection
Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

3. Demonstrate safe drug calculations including those required for intravenous administration.

Knowledge & Understanding
Application & Problem Solving

Clinical skills Lab
Simmersion and Simulation space
Classrooms
Access to VLE
Manikins and consumables

Abbott, H. and Wordsworth, S. (2016) Perioperative Practice Case Book. London: Open University Press

Conway, N., Ong, P., Bowers, M. and Grimmett, N. n.d. Clinical Pocket Reference Operating Department Practice (3rd Edition): Clinical Pocket Reference

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

Developing Clinical Competence in Operating Department Practice builds upon all that you have covered at Level 4. At this level, focus shifts to more challenging aspects of the role of the Operating Department Practitioner with more complex patients and specialised areas.