PCS15 Assist in the preparation of patients for operative and clinically invasive procedures

Overview

This standard is about assisting with the preparation of patients for operative procedures. This includes providing assistance to the clinician/registered practitioner during draping and the preparation of the operative sites. You will be working in a ‘scrubbed’ role whilst undertaking these activities. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. The current European and National legislation, national guidelines, organisational policies and protocols in accordance with Clinical/Corporate Governance which affect your work practice in relation to assisting in the preparation of patients for operative and clinically invasive procedures
2. Your responsibilities and accountability in relation to the current European and National legislation, national guidelines and local policies and protocols and Clinical/Corporate Governance
3. The duty to report any acts or omissions in care that could be detrimental to yourself, other individuals or your employer
4. The importance of working within your own sphere of competence and seeking advice when faced with situations outside your sphere of competence
5. The application of standard precautions to the preparation of patients for operative procedures and the of potential consequences of poor practice
6. The types, purpose and function of surgical instrumentation and supplementary items used in patient preparation for surgery
7. Potential hazards associated with the use of surgical instrumentation and supplementary items used in patient preparation for surgery
8. Factors which affect the choice of surgical instrumentation and supplementary items for individual patients
9. Factors which affect the choice of appropriate sites for attaching instrumentation, e.g. diathermy, during patient preparation
10. Common skin preparation agents and their:
    1. presentation and nomenclature
    2. mode of action
    3. precautions required to prevent allergic reactions and diathermy burns
11. The types of surgical drape in common use, and the effectiveness of different types of material as barriers to cross infection
12. The dangers of re-using equipment designed for single use only
13. The relationship between effective surgical field preparation, prevention of wound contamination and surgical access
14. Specific instances where particular, non-routine methods are used to prepare the surgical field on the ward and in the operating department, and the rationale for this
15. Safe and effective methods of applying skin preparation agents and the type and extent of skin preparation needed
16. The specific lines of accountability within the surgical team
17. The information which should be recorded in relation to the preparation of patients for operative procedures
18. The importance of recording information relating to the preparation of patients for operative procedures
19. The importance of immediately reporting any issues which are outside your own sphere of competence without delay to the relevant member of staff

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control and other relevant health and safety measures
2. correctly identify the patient’s operative site, and clarify any uncertainties with the registered practitioner before assisting with the preparation
3. correctly identify potential sources of contamination and take appropriate action to minimise any risks
4. assist in the preparation of the patient in a manner which optimises their dignity, comfort and safety
5. correctly select and handle surgical instrumentation and supplementary items in line with manufacturers’ instructions and in a manner which minimises the risk of harm
6. select an appropriate site on the sterile field for attaching surgical instruments and supplementary items
7. 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 
8. ensure safe and correct disposal of waste associated with surgical preparation

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB7 Interventions and treatments