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Operating department practitioner
This page describes the work of an operating department practitioner, including information on entry requirements, training, and registration.
Working as an operating department practitioner
Operating department practitioners (ODPs) are an important part of the operating department team working with surgeons, anaesthetists and theatre nurses to help ensure every operation is as safe and effective as possible.ODPs provide high standards of patient care and skilled support alongside medical and nursing colleagues during peri-operative care. The ODPs role involves the application of theory to practice in a variety of clinical settings. The ODP therefore needs a broad knowledge and skill base including management and communication skills and will be involved with the assessment, delivery and evaluation of peri-operative care.
Peri-operative care can be divided into three interconnected phases -
- anaesthetic phase
- surgical phase
- recovery phase
The anaesthetic phase
During this phase, the ODP will:- assist the patient prior to surgery and provide individualised care.
- need an ability to communicate and work effectively within a team.
- undertake a role which will also involve many clinical skills
such as the preparation of a wide range of specialist equipment and
drugs. This includes anaesthetic machines, intravenous equipment and
devices to safely secure the patients airway during anaesthesia.
The surgical phase
ODPs will participate, as part of the operative team in a number of roles including the "scrubbed" role, application of aseptic technique, wound management and infection control.During this phase ODPs, will:
- wearing sterile gown and gloves, prepare all the necessary instruments and equipment for the procedure. This may involve complex machinery including microscopes, lasers and endoscopes.
- work alongside the surgeon, providing correct surgical instruments and materials in order to ensure safe and efficient completion of surgical procedures.
- have a role in the promotion of health and safety and is therefore responsible for ensuring that surgical instruments, equipment and swabsare all accounted for throughout the surgical procedure.
- undertake the circulating role, utilising communication and management skills, preparing the environment, equipment and acting as the link between the surgical team and other parts of the theatre and hospital.
- be able to anticipate the requirements of the surgical team and to respond effectively.
The recovery phase
During this phase, ODPs:- receive, assess and deliver patient care on their arrival into the recovery unit.
- monitor the patients physiological parameters and support them, providing appropriate interventions and treatment until the patient has recovered from the effects of the anaesthesia and/or surgery and is stable.
- assess the patient in order to ensure they can be discharged back to a surgical ward area
- evaluate the care given during the peri-operative phases (anaesthetics, surgery, recovery)
Where do ODPs work?
ODPs are a vital part of the clinical team and provide professional expertise during the patients stay in hospital. Although they are primarily employed within operating theatres, they are increasingly being recognised for their skills in other critical care areas.ODPs may be found working as:
- scrubbed person
- first assistant to the surgeon
- surgical assistant
- anaesthesia
- post anaesthesia care unit (recovery)
- management
- education
- sterile supplies
- transplant teams
- intensive care units
- accident and emergency
- helicopter emergency medical services
- patient transfers
- maternity units
- special care baby units
- resuscitation teams
- trauma teams
- day surgery units
- pre assessment clinics
- casting rooms/orthopaedic clinics
Entry requirements
Academic entry requirements vary between courses. Usually a minimum of five GCSEs at grades A-C (or equivalent) are required, but many institutions require AS level (or equivalent)and A level qualifications.Applicants may be given recognition for any relevant experience or they may be able to enter with alternative qualifications (e.g. an appropriate access course).
It is essential that you contact the individual higher education institution to check their entry requirements.
Training
The training varies between higher education institutions, combining plenty of practical involvement in an operating department with learning the background and theory. You will spend time at local hospitals (e.g.theatres, accident and emergency and intensive care units).It is generally a two year programme leading to a qualification of a Diploma in Higher Education in Operating Department Practice. Although training courses can range from two years (full-time) to seven years (part-time).
Some institutions offer additional study leading to a degree level qualification.
Details of courses are available on the CODP website - www.codp.org.uk
How to apply
A list of courses in operating department practice can be obtained from the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP - see below for contact details). For most courses, you will need to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). Others may require a direct application. Check with the course provider directly for details.Details of job vacancies are advertised by individual NHS trusts as well as through the local press and relevant journals from such organisations as the AODP.
Career prospects
Once you have qualified, pay and responsibility will depend upon experience and further specialist skills you may acquire. It is possible to become a senior ODP, perhaps running a theatre unit. ODPs may work in a wide range of areas including transplant teams, orthopaedic clinics and special care baby units. There are also opportunities in research, education and training.Registering as an operating department practitioner
Since October 2004, it has been a requirement to be registered to work as an Operating Department Practitioner. For more information, please click here.Further information
For more information on a career as an operating department practitioner, please contact:College of Operating Department Practitioners
197 - 199 City Road
London
EC1V 1JN
Tel: 0870 746 0984
Fax: 0870 746 0985
Email: office@codp.org.uk
Website: www.codp.org.uk
Support worker roles
There are opportunities to work in a range of roles, alongside ODPs and other staff working in an operating theatre environment. These include porters, theatre support workers, healthcare assistants and assistant practitioners. For job vacancies, visit the NHS Jobs websiteTOP
