Developing Surgical First Assistance - Level 6 and 7

The role of the Surgical First Assistant is now widely accepted in perioperative practice within the NHS and Independent Healthcare Sector. As a registered practitioner, the Surgical First Assistant provides continuous competent and dedicated skilled assistance under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon throughout the procedure whilst not performing any form of surgical intervention (PCC 2012).

This course can be studied at level 6 or level 7. 

What's covered in the course?

You will build upon your prior knowledge, skills and experience as a scrub practitioner to develop in the role of the surgical first assistant and work safely and effectively as an interprofessional member of the surgical team. You will mature as a critical thinking practitioner as you provide competent and skilled surgical assistance to the operating surgeon under supervision.  

Course Summary

• This module is for perioperative practitioners who have been qualified for a minimum of 18 months and are registered with either the HCPC or NMC.
• You will develop specialist knowledge and skills in relation to providing surgical first assistance within the surgical team.

Assessment

Assessment will vary depending upon the level studied. Level 6 requires you to write a 2,500 word case study. Level 7 requires you to perform a ten minute viva voce. Within both levels you will need to complete competencies as well as 100 hours in practice. The module learning outcomes for each level are:

Level 6 

• Critically examine the professional, legal and ethical issues in relation to the role of the Surgical First Assistant drawing upon current and past legislation, standards and codes of professional practice
• Integrate the knowledge and skills of advancing surgical practice to the assessment, planning, management and evaluation of patient care as a member of the wider surgical team
• Demonstrate competence when performing in the role of the Surgical First Assistant

Level 7 

• Display a critical awareness and reasoning of current perioperative evidence to promote patient safety and inform surgical first assistant practice based upon national and international guidance and local protocol
• Demonstrate a conceptual understanding and application of the complex physical, psychological and social needs of patients in the acute surgical phase to plan, deliver and evaluate care as a member of the wider surgical team
• Present a cohesive argument to support the Surgical First Assistant role in the context of complex perioperative practice
• Demonstrate competence in the Surgical First Assistant role through practical assessment