Operating Department Practice

BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice will qualify you to become a HCPC registered Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) and enable you to make a difference to people’s lives, working within teams of surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, and more in the operating theatre, critical care, and emergency departments.

This course:

• Is accredited by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)

• Is endorsed by the College of Operating Department Practitioners

• Is in partnership with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

• Incorporates placements and practical learning

• Utilises state-of-the-art simulation equipment and facilities at the University

• is a Welsh Government Bursary commissioned programme

Course Modules

Year one is an introduction to the main topics of Operating Department Practice, including clinical, professional, research and life sciences topics.

MODULES

• Introduction to Operating Department Practice: Introduction to the fundamental topics of anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care

• Introduction to Perioperative Clinical Skills: Introduction to the practice placement element of being an ODP. This module will focus mainly on elective, scheduled cases.

• Introduction to Life Sciences (IPE): Introduction to the life sciences, including physical anatomy and physiology and mental health

• Foundations in Professional Practice (IPE): Introduction to the professional roles and responsibilities of an Allied Health Professional covering topics such as confidentiality, dignity, care, and reflection

• Foundations in Research (IPE): Introducing students to the concepts of research, becoming familiar with research articles, assignment writing, and statistics

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)

Year two will expand on topics which were introduced in the first year.  There will be greater complexity, and greater application to practice of an ODP.

MODULES

• Developing Operating Department Practice: Expanding on the theory behind anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care

• Developing Perioperative Clinical Skills: More complex skills introduced within the practice element of the programme. More focus on emergency scenarios, emergency anaesthetics and surgery.

• Applying Life Sciences to Perioperative Practice: Re-visiting topics of life sciences with an application to anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care. Expanding on the considerations for, and treatment of body systems within the perioperative environment.

• Contemporary Studies in Operating Department Practice: Exploring policies which govern and shape modern Operating Department Practice, beginning with WHO Safe Surgery Saves Lives

• Evidence in Practice (IPE): Exploring how research directly impacts the practice of Allied Health Professionals in their clinical work.

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)

Year three introduces you to expanding roles of ODPs, including Surgical First Assistance, Critical Care and Resuscitation.  You will also be prepared for practice by exploring elements such as audit, research, leadership, and management.

MODULES

• Advanced Operating Department Practice: Exploring the theory behind surgical first assistance, critical care, resuscitation, and caring for patients with complex needs.

• Advanced Perioperative Clinical Skills: The practice placement element of more advanced perioperative practice with placements in departments outside of the theatre department to expose students to a greater depth of their scope of practice

• Research for Practice (IPE): You will complete a research project exploring an area of Operating Department Practice where they will be able to collect their own data.

• Transition to Professional Practice (IPE): You will explore leadership and management theories, preparation for employment and professional registration, and quality policies and procedures.

Teaching, learning and assessment will follow a blended approach with online content, videos, small group sessions and practical sessions. We have a case study format throughout, relating concepts to the real-life environment. The Active Learning Framework (ALF) will be used throughout each module, at each level. There is a broad range of assessments, using practice, case study portfolios, presentations, and posters.

Assessment methods include:

• Essays

• Presentations

• Clinical Competencies

• Examinations

This course utilises authentic assessment methods to ensure students can demonstrate the required knowledge and skills to meet HCPC Standards of proficiency upon qualification. For examinations that are assessing a competency required for clinical practice, a reasonable adjustment or alternative method of examination may not be appropriate. This is to replicate the competency and skills that are required for effective clinical practice. If you have any questions about this then please contact the admissions lead or inclusion services to discuss. Information on the required Standards of proficiency upon qualification can be found on the HCPC website: Operating department practitioners | The HCPC

Teaching and Learning

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments.

Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.