Surgical First Assistant (degree and masters level)

Key features

This 20 credit module can be studied at degree or masters level and will develop your knowledge, understanding and skills to provide competent and evidence-based surgical assistance within the operating theatre. At masters level, you will also be encouraged to approach situations critically and utilise problem-solving to provide effective evidence-based surgical assistance.

You will develop the necessary skills and knowledge to excel within the role of Surgical First Assistant (SFA) relevant to all surgical disciplines. The module content will encompass relevant anatomy, intra-operative surgical skills, pre and post-operative surgical care, and patient assessment as outlined for the scope of the SFA role by the Perioperative Care Collaborative (PCC) latest position statement (2018 statement appended).

Module code

HEAD387/APP748

Credits

20

FHEQ level

Level 6 – bachelors degree

Level 7 – masters degree

Location

Online distance learning

HEAD387 course details (degree level)

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• work effectively and skillfully in the role of Surgical First Assistant within the parameters determined the Perioperative Care Collaborative
  
• demonstrate appropriate communication with all members of the operating theatre team to enhance patient care delivery.
  
• analyse and discuss the evidence regarding intra-operative care of the patient
  
• demonstrate critical awareness of local and national guidelines for surgical safety, and their implementation in practice
  
• demonstrate evidence based reflection of your own development as a Surgical First Assistant.
  

Assessment

The assessment for this module is in two parts, comprising of an essay and a clinical log of competencies.

(Please note that these assessment details are provisional – if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit). 

APP748 course details (masters level)

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate technical expertise in the role of Surgical First Assistant within the parameters determined the Perioperative Care Collaborative
  
• engage in effective communication with all members of the operating theatre team to facilitate and enhance patient care delivery.
  
• demonstrate comprehensive, critical understanding of the evidence regarding intra-operative care of the patient
  
• evaluate local and national guidelines for surgical safety, and consider the impact of their implementation in practice
  
• become a critical self-reflective learner managing your own development as a Surgical First Assistant. 
  

Assessment

The assessment for this module is in two parts, comprising of an essay and a clinical log of competencies.

(Please note that these assessment details are provisional – if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit).

Module dates

What programmes can these modules count towards?

At degree level, this module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module towards our BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Health and Social Care course and a number of associated pathways.

At masters level, this module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module towards our MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Professions) programme and some other associated pathways.

For further information please contact the Professional Development Unit.

COVID-secure module delivery

The University is adhering to government guidance relating to COVID-secure operation. For this reason, modules are being delivered in a variety of formats, with much content delivered online, either in an interactive manner (i.e. requiring participation at the allotted times), or sometimes in a passive manner (i.e. you may be able to conduct some of the study outside of the typical taught hours of 09:00–17:00).

Some sessions, particularly clinical assessments, will continue to be delivered face-to-face with appropriate risk-mitigating measures in place. Others may allow you the option of attending face-to-face or synchronously engaging online with peers who attend face-to-face.

When you receive confirmation of your enrolment on a module, you will be granted access to our Digital Learning Environment (DLE or Moodle). You should access this prior to the start of your module to determine the teaching format of the module’s sessions.

Entry requirements

To be considered for a place on the course you must:

• be a nurse (medical or dental) or operating department practitioner registered with an appropriate professional body – such as: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or General Dental Council (GDC) – and have a minimum of 12 months post-qualification experience in a clinical environment
• be employed in an operating theatre environment
• have previously studied at level 5 (i.e. foundation degree or equivalent) in order to study the module at degree level
• or have previously studied to graduate level (i.e. level 6) in order to study the module at masters level.

Fees and funding

Fees

Please see our professional development module fees page.

Funding

Funding for this module may be available through your employing trust. Please contact your trust’s education coordinator in the first instance. If you work in the private, independent or voluntary sector, please contact your employer who will advise you accordingly.

Module lead

The lead for both modules is Toby Rankin - tobias.rankin@plymouth.ac.uk