This unit is aimed at registered practitioners (NMC/HCPC), who may be newly qualified or new to the scrub role and wish to extend their knowledge and understanding of the role of scrub practitioner in UK operating theatres. It will therefore provide students with the opportunity to consolidate existing skills and understand and acquire competency in the core principles of safe and effective perioperative practice.

Indicative content:

• Introduction to the operating department environment, theatre etiquette and the members of the theatre team.
• The role of the scrub practitioner and preparing for surgical cases
• The patient’s pathway to theatre
• The correct use, limitations and hazards of surgical instruments, equipment and medical devices
• Infection prevention and control within the operating theatre
• Patient positioning for surgery 
• Risk management in the operating department
• Principles of specimen collection, handling and identification
• Law and ethics (consent, professional and legal accountability, liability, negligence)
• The Surgical Safety Checklist and its application
• Communication, Leadership and Human Factors
• Principles of Minimally Invasive techniques: Laparoscopic and robotic surgery
• Advanced techniques and extended roles
• Management of surgical emergencies

Learning outcomes

1. Apply the principles associated with the scrub role to their own clinical skills in order to promote safe and effective care of the surgical patient.
2. Utilise effective technical and non-technical skills to enhance efficiency and safety in the operating theatre.
3. Demonstrate adherence to the principles of infection prevention and control in a surgical setting.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy and physiology, frameworks, and professional requirements relevant to the scrub role

Assessment

MCQ exam (1/2 day in May) and Clinical Practice Portfolio and assessment (submission Aug/25)