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University of Bedfordshire
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
UK, LU1 3JU
Operating department practitioners work alongside doctors and their nursing colleagues as part of an inter-professional team delivering expert patient care in all aspects of the peri-operative experience. This course covers all aspects of perioperative and critical care.
Most training will be in real work situations. Within the theatre, you will be supported and assessed by clinical staff while working in a small, multi-disciplinary team. Competence in the areas of surgical scrub, anaesthetics and recovery will be assessed in practice. Successful completion means that you can apply for registration with the Health Professions Council.
Key features
Areas of study include:
The assessment strategy aims to align with the learning outcomes and to provide a variety of assessments which assist you in integrating knowledge and skills. The assessments take into account different learning styles and give opportunities for you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills with application to practice, as well as developing your academic skills. In the first year there is an early assessment point (week 15) to test
fundamental skills and knowledge in anaesthetic and theatre practice before moving on to more complex learning.
The assessments have been designed to assess the units identified learning outcomes and assist you in meeting your own learning needs in relation to each unit. They provide you with the opportunity to reflect on and analyse the process of learning from identification of learning needs through to evaluation of the learning process. The range of assessments used include: computer based exams, objective structured clinical examinations (practical exams), case studies, portfolios, presentations and practice based assessments.
The sections within your portfolio provide the evidence of your learning and will therefore be an important element in your professional development.
The elements assessed are:
- Ability to identify learning needs
- Use of resources and strategies in achieving identified learning needs
- Ability to express ideas clearly and articulately
- Ability to reflect on practice
- Ability to access, critique and synthesise relevant literature to practice issues
- Robust referencing
- Ability to submit clear evidence for achieving learning needs
- Ability to analyse and integrate knowledge in academic work
Your Skills Registers list those skills that you must achieve to be able to perform safely in the patient centred environment. There are a great many skills that you will gain during the course of your units, and your mentor must be satisfied that you are safe and that you recognise your own limitations and scope of practice. To aid both you and your mentor short notes may be found in your Skills Register detailing what your mentor needs
to observe. Your mentor will need to observe you performing each skill over a period of time; this use of continuous assessment will ensure that you are achieving a consistent level of competence commensurate with your experience and stage of training.
In the event that your nominated mentor is not able to supervise you they will, in conjunction with the Lead mentor, nominate an Associate mentor who is able to support you and contribute to your assessment , in accordance with the College of ODPs `Standards, recommendations and guidance for mentors and practice
placements (2009).
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
1. Deliver safe and effective care in the peri-operative setting by achieving the Standards of Proficiency for Operating Department Practitioners as outlined by the Health Professions Council for registration
2. Promote evidence based care through the critical evaluation of research and application of research findings to peri-operative care.
3. Maintain and promote a safe, caring environment in predictable and complex situations, responding to change appropriately.
4. Apply effectively a range of core and specialist skills underpinned by detailed knowledge, within the perioperative environment and the main areas of practice: surgery, anaesthetics and post anaesthetic care
5. Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, relatives and colleagues within the multiprofessional team.
6. Debate the attributes and requirements for a registered operating department practitioner, showing awareness of the wider social and cultural diversity and ethical implications of peri-operative practice and be able to debate issues in relation to more general ethical perspectives.
7. Utilise effective information literacy skills and analyse the relevance and significance of the data collected for application to healthcare and operating department practice.
8. Articulate how reflection has resulted in new learning about self and others and how this has enabled you to engage as a reflective practitioner
9. Evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems and apply these skills to the dynamic and challenging peri-operative practice environment
10. Utilise study skills developed during your course to identify your future learning needs, empowering you to take control of your life long learning through the construction of a personal development plan.
Quality Assurance Agency (2004) Benchmark statement: Healthcare programmes. Operating department practice.
Health Professions Council (2008) Standards of proficiency: operating department practitioners.
The aim of this course is to prepare you to meet the requirements necessary to achieve the award of Diploma of Higher Education in Operating Department Practice. In order to achieve this, the course will enable you to develop a professional perspective in relation to self and others and be able to respond to changes within the context of professional practice. The course also aims to develop your cognitive skills and clinical practice in
the context of research, critical awareness and reflection. During the course you will work collaboratively with users, carers and other healthcare professionals and develop an appreciation of the boundaries of your role as a student ODP. The course aims that students will practise in a professional, ethical and anti-discriminatory manner, respecting the values and beliefs of others and with regard for equal opportunities. The course also
provides the foundation for lifelong education following professional registration, enabling you to access other healthcare units and graduate studies.
Students on the ODP course obtain support with their learning and development from unit leaders, personal tutors, link lecturers and practice mentors. All students are allocated a personal tutor who they meet with every term to review their progress. Your essay submissions are marked electronically; this allows the lecturers to provide you with feedback more quickly as it can be sent electronically via email. You will use
the universitys electronic educational resources for your reflective journal in which you will make at least one meaningful entry per week. This interaction allows you to receive support from your personal lecturer while in placement and to develop as a reflective practitioner. You will be further supported in placement by your placement mentor and a placement visit from a link lecturer once a term.
Student support is available via the Student information Desk(http://www.beds.ac.uk/studentlife/current), through which all student support services are available including, the Corporate Academic Advisory Service, Disability and Dyslexia Support, and Professional and Academic Development (PAD). PAD will support you with your first essay submission and in developing an Initial Study Skills Development Action
Plan. A member of the PAD team will deliver workshops to address skills as needed (such as referencing, essay writing, giving presentations, etc.) in relation to your current unit requirements. You will complete an assignment periodically from which you will read your feedback and, based on this, create a personal development/action plan, thus you will be taking control of, and be responsible for your learning and personal development. You are also encouraged to access academic resources via the Learning Resources Centre; the liaison librarian will provide lectures indicating the type of resources needed for that units
assessment.
Students may be required, at the discretion of the Course Leader, to undergo diagnostic testing for academic English language abilities, and may further be required, at the Course Leaders discretion, to participate in academic English support workshops or classes laid on by the University.
Effective teamwork is crucial in operating department practice. You will be working and studying in a multiprofessional, patient-centred environment and you will be encouraged to develop the team working skills to practise interprofessionally and overcome hierarchical boundaries, empowering you to advocate for patients and deliver optimum patient care within the healthcare team.
Your study may lead to a career as a practitioner in anaesthetics, surgery, the post-anaesthetic care unit, Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU), Coronary Care Unit (CCU), resuscitation and many more new areas of practice.
On completing this course students are likely to progress into the following areas:
Career:
On successful completion of the Diploma of Higher Education Operating Department Practice students are eligible to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council and typically take up employment in the NHS or private healthcare sector in the following areas:
Other areas where ODPs may work include: pre-operative assessment, intensive care unit, Accident and Emergency and community dentistry.
Further study:
The peri-operative Critical Care pathway offers a BSc (Hons) Peri-operative Critical Care, with further study at Masters and Professional Doctorate level also available.
5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, to include mathematics, English and ideally, a science
- NVQ level 3 in a health related subject
- Access course in a health related subject
- Portfolio construction (for mature students with appropriate theatre experience).
To meet Health Professions Council requirements, applicants must have a good command of reading, writing and spoken English on entry to the course. Therefore applicants must also be able to communicate in English to level 2 of the International English Language Testing System, with no element below 6.5. All applicants undergo an interview and take tests in numeracy and literacy. Applicants who are successful at interview and pass the numeracy and literacy tests must all have satisfactory references, Criminal Records Bureau checks and occupational health checks.
A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.
Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.
Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.
We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
The general requirement is one of the following:
Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.
(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)
We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.
Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.
Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section
APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.
Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `
The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.
We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.
Return your completed application to:
University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk
The teaching and learning strategy that underpins this course is intended to reflect the values contained within the Universitys mission statement and the Health Professions Council's Standards of Education and Training which require a division of the course to be 60% practice (Clinical placement) and 40% theory (university based study), which are seen as being in harmony with the needs of students undertaking the Diploma of Higher Education in Operating Department Practice.
The main aim of the teaching process is to facilitate learning. With this in mind a variety of methods are utilised, with due regard to specific unit outcomes, including: interactive ectures, seminars, student centred groups, problem based learning, critical incident reviews, other reflective learning strategies, skills development sessions and simulated practice. Your studies in operating department practice are an integration of theory with practice, and central to this process will be your practice-based learning and your Lead mentor in the practice setting. The Lead mentor is a facilitator, communicating with the university and the multi professional team to which you will contribute, and instigating the support for your learning and development of practice related skills within the clinical setting. A key element of the Lead mentors role will be to support you in the analysis of critical incidents in practice and reflection, as well as the validation of your achievement of the practice learning outcomes. As a facilitator your Lead mentor will negotiate your learning needs with you and allocate a mentor to you for the duration of your placement. Your mentor will support you in your clinical placement, and give you feedback on your development during the placement. It is acknowledged that due to service constraints there will be times that you and your mentor will not be in the clinical environment at the same time and then other members of the clinical team will support you in practice.
Formative processes have been built into the units so that you will receive feedback during your units, as well as at their completion. For the academic elements of the units, you will receive individual feedback from the unit leader on your assignment plans. In addition, unit leaders give general academic advice regarding referencing and academic writing styles. You will also attend workshops given by the staff from the Learning
Resources Centre during which you will learn the skills of literature searching and referencing by the universitys Health Studies liaison librarian.
You will undertake a proportion of self directed learning, which includes assessment preparation, library searches and reading. Unit leaders give direction with individual reading lists, and guidance to certain chapters or advising you to read chapters from different perspectives. There is a highly developed virtual learning environment which provides a range of interactive resources to support you including patient scenarios for you to work through and quizzes.
The Lead mentor will also act as your advocate; however, the Lead mentor has a duty to protect the public against incompetent, dishonest and/or dangerous students and other healthcare practitioners. The concept of competency and integrity is central to the assessment process and forms the basis of your entry onto the Health Professions Council register (Dimond 2001). Your Lead mentor will therefore be required to determine
your achievement of the practice learning outcomes in the context of the legal aspects of learner development, support and assessment process.
The course comprises 60% in clinical placement and 40% university-based study. If you have a disability or long term medical condition, as a result of which you consider you may need support, reasonable adjustments needed for you to study on this course will be explored by university staff in consultation with healthcare service providers, to support you to complete both theory and practice components successfully. The Disability Advice Team is available to discuss any issues you may have and offer support such as dyslexia screening. The team offers confidential advice and information about academic and personal issues, adjustments in examinations, applying for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) and buying suitable equipment.
In collaboration with the East Anglia Regional Access Centre, we also offer 'needs assessment', during which you're encouraged to make informed choices about your needs in a friendly and confidential environment within the Student Centre.
Communication
To help with the development of this you will:
Explore and develop your communication skills within the multi professional environment through university based study of communication including skills practice, practice-based learning and reflective activities. Communication skills are central to operating department practice and you will develop your skills within the first year units in anaesthetic care, theatre practice and professional studies. You will further develop your communication skills in the second year in your enhanced theatre practice unit, post anaesthetic care unit and in `Holistic approach to managing care.
Information Literacy
To help with the development of this you will:-
Retrieve information using databases, review and organise the information and apply it to peri-operative practice. The Professional and Academic Development team and liaison librarian will support you in developing your information literacy skills as well as the course team and support in the first year `Professional Studies for Peri-operative Practice unit. The second year units will further develop your information literacy skills, with increasing emphasis on accessing and applying information in practice.
Research and Evaluation
To help with the development of this you will:-
Develop the skills required to evaluate research by comparing and contrasting different research methods and approaches and the contexts in which research is conducted. You will discuss the concepts of ethical issues in research and debate the applicability of research to professional practice. Initial development of these skills will occur in the first year `Professional studies for Peri-operative Practice unit. The second year units will focus on critical appraisal of research in relation to post anaesthetic care and enhanced theatre practice.
Creativity and Critical Thinking
To help with the development of this you will:-
Through reflection, and critical thinking develop your higher order thinking skills, enabling you to develop as a proactive and creative practitioner. The course team will introduce you to creativity and critical thinking within your first year units and will develop these further in the second year. You will be facilitated in applying these skills to your practice experiences and critical incidents.
The course delivery team work closely with the universitys Professional and Academic Development team, who run workshops for students each term, to support the development of study skills. You will in the first university block write a diagnostic paper which will inform your learning needs and the support you will receive. The courses liaison librarian is also actively involved with supporting students in developing library skills and information literacy. The course team will actively involve you in your learning and support you in developing the ability to reflect on how you learn and how you can improve your learning. You will have an identified personal tutor with whom you will meet for a tutorial each term and who will support you while you are on practice placements through your online journal in which you reflect on your practice experience as the basis for learning and personal development. Unit leaders assist students to engage with their assessment feedback facilitating students to develop personal development action plans. During the course, you will develop a Personal Development Portfolio which will empower you to develop self awareness, identify your own development needs and to formulate support strategies as you progress towards registration, and then navigate the path of life long learning as a healthcare professional.
In order to facilitate your learning and progress on the course you are required to maintain a Personal Development Portfolio which will provide a record of your learning, development and achievements on the course. Your personal tutor will review your PDP with you each term. As a professional requirement the portfolio will include your transcripts and a certified record of your study contact hours. It is a mandatory requirement of your course that you demonstrate achievement of the curriculum outcomes, as outlined in the Health Professions Councils Standards of Education and Training.
Each student operating department practitioner is responsible for his/her practice and learning. Professional standards are central to the course and are set by the professional body, the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP), and the Health Professions Council (HPC) which regulates ODP. Students are introduced to professional standards of behaviour at the start of the course: the HPCs (2008) Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics, and the CODPs (2009) Student Standards of Professional Behaviour; these themes are emphasised and developed throughout the course. Students are assessed in practice on their professional behaviour as well as their skills development and the course meets the Quality Assurance Agencys academic benchmark for ODP (QAA 2004). In addition the student is required to comply with local considerations when conforming with university rules and regulations, including the placement providers protocols, polices and guidelines.
Students will at all times behave in a manner which is appropriate to a student studying for a professional qualification that leads to eligibility to apply for registration with the HPC. Students must therefore comply with the College of Operating Department Practice (2009) `Student Standards of Professional Behaviour:
1. Uphold public trust and confidence in the profession by maintaining appropriate personal and professional standards of behaviour, personal appearance and conduct.
2. Promote anti-discriminatory practice, inclusion and diversity.
3. Act in the best interests of patients/clients/service users, practice and education providers in relation to respect, privacy, dignity and equality.
4. Maintain health, safety and security for patients, self and others in line with legislation.
5. Respect and maintain confidentiality of information.
6. Actively participate in maintaining safe patient care through evidence based practice, research and reflective practice.
7. Take responsibility for your own learning and personal professional development by identifying and maximising learning opportunities.
8. Actively participate in the evaluation process of all learning and teaching in both clinical practice and University study.
9. Accept responsibility in identifying personal limitations and act within the limits of knowledge skills and experience. Seek guidance, advice and support when required.
10. Show a continued commitment in achieving and maintaining clinical skills and professional knowledge.
11. You must declare any information that could affect your conduct, performance or health during the course of your education.
12. Act with integrity and honesty, carrying out all duties in a professional and ethical manner.
13. Inform the appropriate person or authority of any conscientious objections, which may be relevant to professional practice.
14. Notify the University and placement provider in the event of sickness or absence and adhere to local policy in relation to effective timekeeping.
15. You have a duty to report any unacceptable behaviour or practice which may adversely affect yourself or others
The CODP curriculum document, 2006 states that `Inherent within these competence statements and indicators is the acknowledgement that ODP students must be able to demonstrate a measure of progression that is indicative of the development in knowledge and understanding, as well as the acquisition of professional skills. Students who do not maintain professional standards and/or demonstrate progression will be referred to a university `fitness to practise committee. Students deemed at any stage of their training to be a danger to patient safety, will be removed from the practice environment by the programme manager/ head of department and referred to a fitness to practice
committee.
It is possible that you could witness unacceptable practice while on placement and you should therefore be aware of clearly defined `whistle blowing processes (Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998) in order to fulfill your public and professional responsibility (ODP Student Standards of Professional Behaviour, 2009; HPC Standards of Proficiency for ODP, 2008). In the first instance the Lead mentor will support you; if this is not appropriate then you should consult your unit leader or link tutor.
To progress from year one to year two you will be required to evidence the completion of 600 hours of theoretical engagement and 900 hours of practical engagement. To complete the programme you will be required to evidence over the duration of your studies you have 1,200 hours of recorded engagement with theoretical components of the programme and 1,800 hours recorded engagement with practice.
You will engage with the `Professional Studies for Peri-operative practice unit; however the professional issues described in this unit are not discrete and maintain a common thread throughout the programme.
