ODP career site
In October, we were proud to launch our newly created career site to promote the role of the ODP and help inform those interested about how they can become an ODP and the career pathways available to those in the profession.
Please do spread the word about this wonderful resource!
History of the College
Huge thanks to Bill Kilvington for putting together a fascinating read, detailing the history of the College of Operating Department Practitioners and the ODP profession:
Standards for Supporting Pre-Registration Operating Department Practitioner Education in Practice Placements
At the recent Clinical University Educators’ (CUE) forum, guidance was published to support ODP learners in practice placements.
The document aims to provide a framework to aid practice placement staff in supporting learners effectively and outline the professional development requirements to ensure and enhance quality learning in practice placements.
Even prior to the impact of COVID-19, there continues to be many challenges in the recruitment and retention of Operating Department Practitioner learners, consequently, there is a need to ensure that these learners have a positive experience and are effectively supported in their practice placement.
Role of the Nursing Associate in theatres
The Perioperative Care Collaborative has recently published a position statement that sets out the principles and guidance relating to both the Nursing Associate (NA) scope of practice and their role within perioperative care:
‘Prep, Stop, Block’ – new national guidance coming soon
The Safe Anaesthesia Liaison Group (SALG) and Regional Anaesthesia UK (RA-UK) launches important new national guidance concerning the Stop-Before-You-Block (SBYB) process. The new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) splits SBYB into three phases: 1. Preparation 2. Stop moment 3. Immediate performance of the regional anaesthetic block. This process will be called ]Prep, Stop, Block’ and will strengthen and formalise the role of the assistant.
For single injection blocks, the Blocker (not always an anaesthetist) will hand the tray of drugs and the needle to the assistant at the end of the Prep phase, using a standard form of words (similar to the ‘cricoid off’ prompt): “I’ve completed my Prep, let’s SBYB”, Assistant: “OK, let’s SBYB.”. The Assistant and Blocker together check the surgical site mark, consent form (and the side with the patient if awake). Only then should the Assistant hand back the tray for blocking to proceed immediately.
The new SBYB PSB process will provide a uniform, nation framework and prevent local variation. Details of an educational package including the SOP, a video and poster will be available on the SALG website in the New Year.
Campaign to prevent Future Deaths from unrecognised oesophageal intubation
The Royal College of Anaesthetists, the Difficult Airway Society and the Association of Anaesthetists are launching a campaign to prevent future deaths from unrecognised oesophageal intubation after a recently received coroner’s report following the tragic death of Glenda Logsdail. Glenda, a fit and healthy 61-year-old, died when an oesophageal intubation took place and was not recognised in time to save her life.
We still haven’t done enough to eliminate unrecognised oesophageal intubation from our practice. We may never be able to eliminate human fallibility, but we can design systems, equipment and environments to minimise its likelihood. We can use barriers to trap errors, put in place mitigations to reduce impact, and train, educate, rehearse and simulate to better manage critical incidents when they occur.
Read more about the campaign to prevent future deaths:
Unrecognised oesophageal intubation
Self care
It is important to look after yourself, we know how stressful life can be, especially at the moment – taking time to care for yourself will leave you better equipped to care for others.
Try to make sure that
· You eat a well-balanced diet
· Stay well hydrated
· Take your breaks
· Get enough sleep
These are a few simple steps that will help you achieve a healthy balance. If you find that you are in need of more support, as a member of UNISON you are able to access its own charity ‘There for You’ which provides a confidential advice and support service for members and their dependants, including financial advice, wellbeing breaks and confidential advice over the phone.
If you find yourself feeling stressed, the NHS employers website has a range of resources that might help