Assist in the preparation of individuals for operative and clinically invasive procedures
Overview
This standard is about assisting with the preparation of individuals for operative procedures. This includes providing assistance to the registered practitioner during draping and the preparation of the operative sites.
You will be working in a 'scrubbed' role whilst undertaking these activities.
All actions and decisions should be carried out in accordance with current legislation, organisational policies, clinical protocols, and professional standards.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and others in assisting in the preparation of individuals for operative and clinically invasive procedures
P2. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
P3. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
P4. identify the individual's operative site, and clarify any uncertainties with the registered practitioner before assisting with the preparation
P5. identify potential sources of contamination and take appropriate action to minimise any risks
P6 assist in the preparation of the individual in a manner which optimises their dignity, comfort and safety
P7. select and handle surgical instrumentation and supplementary items in line with manufacturers' instructions and in a manner which minimises the risk of harm
P8. select an appropriate site on the sterile field for attaching surgical instruments and supplementary items
P9. ensure all swabs and items used in the preparation of the operative site are accounted for and recorded in accordance with organisational policies and procedures prior to safe disposal
P10. complete all relevant documentation required for assisting in the preparation of individuals for operative and clinically invasive procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. the current legislation, local guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
K4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K5. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
K6. the correct use of any equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect the health and safety of you and others
K7. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K8. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
K9. the types, purpose and function of surgical instrumentation and supplementary items used in individual preparation for surgery
K10. factors which affect the choice of surgical instrumentation and supplementary items for individual
K11. factors which affect the choice of appropriate sites for attaching instrumentation
K12. common skin preparation agents and their presentation and mechanism/mode of action
K13. precautions required to prevent allergic reactions and diathermy burns where relevant to the work area
K14. the types of surgical drape in common use, and the effectiveness of different types of material as barriers to cross infection
K15. the dangers of re-using equipment designed for single use only
K16. the relationship between effective surgical field preparation, prevention of wound contamination and surgical access
K17. specific instances where particular, non-routine methods are used to prepare the surgical field in the operating department, and the rationale for this
K18. safe and effective methods of applying skin preparation agents and the type and extent of skin preparation needed
K19. the specific lines of accountability within the surgical/interventional team
K20. how to complete all relevant documentation required for assisting in the preparation of individuals for operative and clinically invasive procedures in accordance with organisational requirements