Description

Objectives

To provide nursing professionals and technicians with the tools to develop the necessary competencies to enable them to implement instrumentation techniques in operating theatres in both public and private institutions and to be part of surgical teams.

Addressed to:

University nurses and final year students and other health professionals may apply (the latter subject to the approval of the academic committee).

Contents

Module I: Structure and Organisation of the Block

Surgical block structure and infrastructure
Pre- and post-operative period
Concept of surgical environment
Organisation of the activity of the surgical unit
Information systems used
Recovery unit
Human resource management in the operating theatre

Module II: Asepsis, antisepsis and Sterilisation

Hygiene and aseptic concept and general principles of asepsis
Antiseptics and surgical antisepsis (skin preparation)
Use of disinfectants in the operating theatre
Structure and infrastructure of the sterilisation unit
Sterilisation process methods
Monitoring of the sterilisation process
Traceability and parametric release
Sterile material handling and storage

Module III: Surgical Instrumentalist

Role of the surgical scrub nurse
Hand washing (clinical and surgical)
Surgical clothing, gowning, gloves and glove fitting
Sterile field preparation and care
General considerations for surgical instrument table preparation
Examples of surgical instrument tables set up

Module IV: Surgical instruments

Definition and classification of surgical instruments (function and shape), (parts of a forceps)
Surgical terminology
Surgical box and generic instruments
Grasping forceps and spreaders, specula, and ancillary equipment
Basic surgical manoeuvres
Instrument care (before, during and after use) (situations in which surgical instruments should not be used).
Surgical material should not be used).

Module V: Communication and teamwork

Concept and styles of communication
Effective communication social skills, empathy and assertiveness, non-verbal communication
Teamwork, rules of belonging and boundaries
Decision-making for teamwork

Module VI: Types of surgery

Types of surgery
Surgical techniques
Open Surgery / Laparoscopic Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)/ Robotic Surgery
Laser surgery, Lasik

Module VII: Surgeries according to speciality

Surgical Anatomy, Topography
Abdominal, Thoracic Surgery
Peripheral Vascular Surgery
Aesthetic, Plastic and Burn Surgery
Oncological Surgery
Urology, gynaeco-obstetric surgery
Traumatological and Orthopaedic Surgery
Other speciality surgeries

Module VIII: Surgical Material

History and definition of suture
Classification and use of sutures
Surgical needle, parts and requirements
Suture techniques
Use of mechanical suture
Use of surgical drains and meshes

Module IX: Surgical patient

Surgical patient characteristics, attitudes, beliefs, myths and fears.
Nurse/patient relationship, communication and provision of information.
Surgical risk assessment (Mallampati, ASA; weight, height, etc).
Legal aspects of surgery and informed consent.
Preparation of the patient pre op
Risk prevention in surgery

Module X: Monitoring and Anaesthesia

Patient monitoring
Equipment and instruments used in anaesthesia
Concept and types of anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Local or regional anaesthesia
Risks and benefits of anaesthesia
Pain management
Surgical positions, examples

Module XI: Prevention of Complications and Infection Prevention and Control for the Surgical Patient

Latex allergy and prevention of complications
Malignant hyperthermia and prevention of complications
Surgical wound classification according to degree of contamination and risk of infection
Surgical wound infection prevention and control measures
Preventive measures related to anaesthesia

Module XII: Prevention of occupational hazards in surgical wards

Most frequent chemical risks in the operating theatre.
Physical risks for operating theatre staff (physical and postural strain, injuries).
Ionising radiation in the operating theatre.
Biological risk for ward staff
Stress and burnout

Additional information

Documentation

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