Operating department practitioners 'help ensure patient safety'
Monday 30th November 2009
People with operating department practitioner (ODP) jobs play an important role in ensuring procedures are as safe as possible for patients, according to the NHS. Such people assist nurses to this end, monitoring each stage of the surgical process.
Indeed, "ODPs are a vital part of the clinical team and provide professional expertise during the patient's stay in hospital", it claimed.
The role involves the application of theory to practice in a range of clinical settings alongside theatre nurses, surgeons and anaesthetists. ODPs require a range of personal qualities in order to perform effectively. For example, they need to be able to manage situations, be communicative and capable of completing assessments, delivery and evaluation of peri-operative care. As well as these abilities, practitioners should have a broad knowledge base.
The work of ODPs can roughly be divided into three categories, namely the anaesthetic phase, the time during which surgery is being conducted and the recovery of patients after the procedure has been completed.
During the anaesthetic phase, practitioners perform a number of functions, including assisting patients through the provision of personalised care. Consequently, they need to have good interpersonal skills and be able to operate effectively as part of a team. On a more technical level, they are involved in the preparation of a variety of specialist equipment and drugs, such as intravenous devices and anaesthetic machines.
Meanwhile, in the phase during which the operation is taking place, ODPs participate in a number of tasks as part of a team. Among their duties at this stage are wound management and infection control. They also help with the preparation of the instruments and equipment needed for the particular operation taking place. While the surgeon is working on the patient, ODPs also provide him or her with the correct surgical devices and materials.
Because of the environment in which they complete these tasks, they must wear sterile gowns and gloves.
People in ODP roles are expected to play a part in the promotion of health and safety, meaning they have to monitor the whereabouts of surgical instruments, equipment and swabsare, making sure they are all accounted for until the end of the operation.
Finally, during the recovery phase, such people have to be on hand to assess and deliver patient care. As part of this, they must monitor the physiological parameters of those they are responsible for, providing interventions and treatment when it is necessary. This continues until the patient has recovered from the effects of the procedure and from their anaesthesia.
When this occurs, they determine whether the individual is fit to be discharged back to a surgical ward area.
People who qualify as ODPs work in a variety of settings, including transplant teams, intensive care units, accident and emergency departments and maternity units, as well as pre-assessment clinics and day surgery areas. In addition, some go into management or education.
According to an NHS statement, "although they are primarily employed within operating theatres, they are increasingly being recognised for their skills in other critical care areas".
Those seeking to become ODPs must have a minimum of five GCSEs at grades A to C, but many course providers also require AS or A level qualifications. Relevant experience is also considered to be beneficial.
Once they have been accepted to study the discipline, candidates undergo a process of accruing theoretical knowledge and practical experience of operating departments. In order to achieve this, they spend time in local hospitals, observing procedures in theatres, accident and emergency departments and intensive care units.
Usually, the courses take two years to complete and those who make it to the end gain a Diploma in Higher Education in Operating Department Practice. Some educational institutions offer additional study leading to degree-level qualifications.
Once ODPs have qualified, the level of pay and responsibility they can expect depends on their experience and any specialist skills they may have. Those who wish to progress in the profession can work towards becoming a senior practitioner. In this role, they may be in charge of theatre units.
Commenting on the career prospects of such professioanls, the College of Operating Department Practitioners, said: "In working together as part of the multi-disciplinary theatre team alongside medical and nursing colleagues, ODPs gather a huge amount of clinical experience and knowledge. This enables ODPs to practise in so many clinical areas as these skills and knowledge are transferable to many different health care specialities."
A professional body for practitioners, the organisation runs on a non-profit basis and it sets the standards of education for the pre-registration aspect of the occupation. In addition, it promotes the enhancement of knowledge and skills among people with roles in the field. Prior to its name change in December 2006, the college was known as the Association of Operating Department Practitioners.
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