Operating Department Practice

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
Operating department practitioners are fast-paced, challenging roles and we’ve designed our BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice to help equip you with all the skills and knowledge you need to start this exciting career. We've been running our operating department practice programmes for many years and students benefit from an excellent standard of teaching provided by staff from the University. Our lecturers maintain close links with practice, ensuring that the programme is always kept up-to-date.

In addition, guest speakers regularly deliver sessions for students within the University to ensure we give a diverse range of views and experiences to our students. These include sessions speaking with local patients and carers to gain a real understanding of the varied needs of our community. At BNU, we recognise roles in this field are hands-on – that’s why you’ll take part in simulated learning experiences throughout the course using our specialised facilities. This will enable you to recreate authentic scenarios and practise your skills in a safe environment.

What facilities can I use?
We utilise state-of-the-art simulation facilities for learning, development and practicing of skills and were winners of a Guardian University Award for our innovation and use of simulation to enhance our healthcare students’ learning.

We've invested in some of the best equipment for our students to practice their skills; we have an ultra-modern simulated operating theatre, anaesthetic room, recovery area and related clinical environments with the latest high-fidelity simulation manikins. During this time, students will be immersed in a wide range of medical equipment that is identical to those seen within the clinical environment including: anaesthetic machines, surgical equipment, diathermy, cell salvage, laparoscopic simulator, operating table and fibreoptic scopes.

What will I study?
Throughout this course you will be able to gain real life experiences as well as understand the theory behind the perioperative environment and care delivery. The course will give you everything that is needed to help develop into a qualified practitioner that is eligible to apply for registration. Clinical placements will be undertaken throughout the length of the programme.

This role involves working within a multi-disciplinary team to provide high quality, individualised care for patients throughout their perioperative journey and beyond. Working alongside other professionals, such as nurses, surgeons, anaesthetists and health care support workers, care will be delivered to patients during all three phases of this acute care environment, This is achieved through direct patient contact and care delivery in addition to demonstrating a high level of knowledge/skill within the management of specialist equipment and materials related to this highly technical area.

Patient safety is a priority within this field of care and ODP’s are required to demonstrate high standards in relation to professionalism, advocacy and decision making. Our course will provide the key knowledge and skills to achieve what is both required and expected within this contemporary healthcare setting, through both classroom based teaching and clinical placement.

Career Prospects
Working alongside other professionals, such as nurses, surgeons, anaesthetists and healthcare support workers, care will be delivered to patients during all three phases of this acute care environment. Although you will be employed within operating theatres, you’ll still be able to work in other areas. The theory and integrated practice that you learn throughout the course will help you work in a variety of clinical areas. We consistently see a high rate of employment with our local NHS trusts and from the placements they have undertaken.

Year one
Core
Fundamentals of Perioperative Practice
Promoting Safety within the Perioperative Environment
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
Engaging in Perioperative Practice
Foundations of Theory and Practice
Developing Perioperative Practice
Caring for the Perioperative Patient

Year two
Core
Applied Anatomy and Physiology
Influence of Pathophysiology on Perioperative Care
Developing within the Perioperative Environment
Expanding Skills within the Perioperative Environment
Applying Evidence to Perioperative Care
Advancing Perioperative Practice
Leadership in Perioperative Practice

Year three
Core Modules
Extended Independent Work (Dissertation)
Coaching and Supervision of Others within the Perioperative Environment
Creating Autonomous Practice
Actualising Perioperative Practice
Management of the Deteriorating Patient

Optional Modules
Legalities and Ethical Considerations of the Advanced Role OR
Wellbeing and Resilience within the Clinical Environment

Within the operating department practice programme, we use a variety of teaching and assessment methods to help you succeed. You’ll benefit from simulation sessions, lectures, seminars and group activities to ensure readiness for professional registration and autonomous clinical practice.

A huge part of your learning will take place on clinical placements covering anaesthetic, surgical and post-anaesthetic care. Whilst in practice, you will be supported by a clinical member of staff who will provide mentorship, supervise your experience and assess that you are meeting the requirements of the course.

Both your theoretical knowledge and application in practice will be assessed on this course and methods include:

reflective course work
case studies
oral, written or visual presentations
unseen examinations
OSCEs
critique of evidence-based articles
dissertation
construction of an ePortfolio
practice competence demonstrated in practice*.
*80% minimum clinical placement attendance is required within the programme and is monitored within the Practice Placement Document

To ensure the programme remains current and responsive to the dynamic reformation of the NHS, we invite practitioners from our partner trusts to be involved in the delivery and on-going enhancement of the programme.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Health and Care Professions Council