Operating Department Practice - 2013 entry

All modules are compulsory for the DipHE in Operating Department Practice. You will have the opportunity for shared learning with students on other health care courses when you undertake the multiprofessional 'Partnerships' modules. Some modules will also be taken alongside Paramedic Emergency Care foundation degree students.

Practice modules will require you to achieve both the theoretical and practice components of study in order to pass the module.

You will need to complete a minimum of 3,000 hours (theory and practice) over the period of study.

Year 1

• Professional Practice - an Introduction: a double, practice-based module which introduces you to concepts and theories relevant to professional practice and will give the opportunity to develop both generic and profession-specific skills and knowledge within a multiprofessional context. You will have the opportunity to gain experience of practice within the broad context of health care. This will facilitate your recognition and understanding of the role of the perioperative practitioner and provide an opportunity to observe, develop and practise fundamental clinical skills as well as understanding the context of sociology and psychology in perioperative practice.
• Development in Professional Practice - a double, practice-based module which enables you to explore the concept of holistic assessment, planning and evaluation of care for a full range of client groups. This will include recognition of physiological, sociological, psychological and cultural contexts and the relevance of the individual’s spirituality and sexuality. You will develop and practice the specific skills required for professional holistic care, exploring the rationale and available evidence underpinning key clinical competences and skills. Theoretical frameworks for specific and general assessments will be examined and appraised and their relevance to practice. There will be a continued emphasis on the development of effective practitioner-client relationships and the opportunity to focus on the client’s experience of health care. The module will draw upon relevant national benchmarking standards and National Service Frameworks.
• Perioperative Care (Part I) - a single, practice-based module that introduces you to specific multi-professional perioperative practice competencies. This module will give you the skills and knowledge to develop both generic and professional-specific skills. You will have the opportunity to gain experience of perioperative care within the broad context of operating department practice. This will facilitate your recognition, understanding and insight to the role of the perioperative practitioner across a range of patient groups (professional body requirements). It will provide an opportunity to observe, develop and practise fundamental skills as well as understanding the context of the theory that underpins practice.
• Partnerships I: an Introduction to Using Evidence in Professional Practice - this module is the foundation for the ‘Partnerships in Practice’ series and introduces key concepts, values and skills pertinent to working in partnership with individuals. An interdisciplinary approach to the nature and purpose of evidence is explored, in relation to its value in promoting professional practice and user-led services.
• Development of the Human Body and Mind: introduces you to some of the basic principles of human life sciences using a life span development approach. You are introduced to cell biology and the development of the human body from reproduction and a single cell. The module then explores the roles of the central nervous system, and endocrine system in the physiological control of the human body, and the role of the immune system, blood and the lymphatic system in protecting the body.
• Life Science for Health and Social Care Professionals: you'll explore a systems-based approach to anatomy and physiology needed by adult, mental health, learning disability and children’s nurses, operating department practitioners and midwives in practice. Major systems of the human body will be explored in this single module as they pertain to clinical practice.

Year 2

• Physiology for Paramedic and Perioperative Practice (double) - this shared module is designed to enable you to develop the ability to apply physiological principles to paramedic and operating department practice. It consists of a series of lectures on the pathophysiology of the human body and requires the student to critically review and analyse the physiological basis for their interventions in practice. In addition, you will have the opportunity to explore and demonstrate understanding of practice skills working alongside other professionals in the classroom.
• Research Awareness and Critical Appraisal - this module will prepare you to confidently read and critique research papers. You will be introduced to the key concepts within research from an appreciation of the knowledge base that informs practice to effectively critiquing published work. You will have the opportunity to explore the research process, different methodological perspectives and the ethical considerations associated with health and social care research. The module will also focus on information technology and statistical application skills.
• Infection Control in Practice - focuses on the principles of infection control related to your practice area and will incorporate infectious diseases and epidemiology, both in the hospital and the community setting. It will enable the practitioner to contribute to the creation of a safe environment, which will promote infection control practice for the patient/client, relatives and health care workers.
• Human Life Sciences: Paramedic and Perioperative Application - this shared, single, basic module focuses on how the human body reacts to surgery and trauma. Recent advances in medical science and the influence on paramedic and perioperative practice will also be explored. The material covered will build on the anatomy and physiology components learnt in the first year of the Paramedic Emergency Care and Operating Department Practice courses.
• Pharmacology for Practice - a single, practice-focused module that will enhance and consolidate your knowledge of pharmacology and its application to practice. This module builds on the knowledge and experience you have gained through previous knowledge of anatomy and physiology and clinical practice experience. Through a problem-solving approach that focuses on the critical use of pharmacology knowledge in practice, you will be able to understand the theoretical underpinnings of pharmacology and its role in empowerment and client education in relation to drug therapy.
• Perioperative Care (Part II) - this module explores the needs of a patient prior to their forthcoming surgical experience. The assessment and planning of care issues, such as information giving, assessment criteria, the involvement of significant others and informed consent, will be examined. Implementation and evaluation will include clinical and technical aspects of care associated with pharmacological and physiological changes to the patient undergoing induction and maintenance of anaesthesia. The surgical experience of the patient will include pre-assessment, care in the anaesthetic and operating room.
• Perioperative Care (Part III) - this module runs throughout the second year of the DipHE Operating Department Practice course and is assessed in the final semester. The portfolio assessment determines the focus of the module. The portfolio demonstrates the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes throughout the second year of the course and supports evidence of the achievement of learning and competencies relevant for multi-professional perioperative practice. The module will enable you to identify and analyse issues relating to practice and to establish and strengthen your knowledge of perioperative care. This will be done through a process of reflection on experiences gained, which will inform future practice. Alongside this process you will be encouraged to understand the importance of your own learning strategies in relation to life-long learning, development of professional practice and the facilitation of learning. There will also be the opportunity to expand both theoretical evidence-based knowledge and practical skills pertinent to the perioperative care environment.

You will have a number of practice placements in a clinical area during semesters, with a consolidation period each semester after formal teaching has finished. You will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of perioperative clinical settings covering anaesthetics, surgery and post-operative care, for example in:

• general surgery
• orthopaedic surgery
• gynaecological/obstetric surgery
• ear, nose and throat surgery
• plastic surgery
• genito-urinary surgery
• minor and major vascular surgery
• ophthalmic surgery.

Clinical placements take place either within the South Central Strategic Health Authority (currently Oxford or Banbury) or within the South West Strategic Health Authority area (currently Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon or Weston-super-Mare). Applicants will be asked to identify their preferred placement area, but the first choice may not always be possible.

When in clinical placement, you are required to adopt practice hours which reflect the established placement's shift pattern in order to gain optimal learning.

GCSE: 5 GCSEs including English, Mathematics and one science subject at grade C or above

• A recognised access course or Advanced Diploma at grade C, including GCSE Science at grade C.

• Evidence of experience of work within health care would be considered an advantage.

Each application will be considered on its own merits. We are keen to encourage mature students to apply and will consider certificates, diplomas, and any relevant work experience in support of the application, along with other qualifications. It is important that you are ready to start studying at diploma level, so we look for evidence that you have prepared yourself for a return to study and have appropriate skills, such as enquiry skills and writing experience.

Please also see the university's general entry requirements.

If English is not your first language, you will be required to achieve an average score of level 7.00 in an IELTS test.

Please also see the university's standard English language requirements.

English language requirements for visas

If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.

Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.

Part-time students should apply directly to the university.

There may be opportunities for international applicants to study Operating Department Practice. You will be required to provide evidence of your ability to self-finance and a deposit will be required. 

International applicants will need to apply early to allow enough time for obtaining a visa if you are offered a place.

When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

Supporting your learning

From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.

Personal support services

We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.