Surgical Assistant Module

This  practical and theoretical  course is for a person who is assisting a surgeon.

Students attend a presentation, which explains the need for aseptic technique and how it is implemented. The 30-minute presentation is delivered in an informal, interactive style and the students are encouraged to ask questions and discuss themes.
This is followed by a practical workshop, where students are shown how to prepare a surgical area following aseptic practice, including preparation of instruments, consumables, animal and surgeon. They will then do this themselves, and also practice gowning and gloving as a surgeon.

Learning Outcomes for course.
By the end of this course, the student will:
Understand the need for aseptic technique in surgical procedures and the consequences of microbial contamination and infection for the animal and the study.
Be able to identify the key components of aseptic surgery, with reference to the LASA Guidance.
Know methods of sterilisation  of  instruments, equipment and consumables and be able to prepare these items appropriately
Know how to manage items of equipment that cannot be sterilised
Know and be able to apply methods of aseptic preparation for the surgeon and the animal, ready for surgery
Understand and apply aseptic technique during a surgical procedure, either as surgeon or as “scrubbed assistant”
Understand and apply aseptic technique when acting as the “non-sterile” assistant to a surgeon
Be able to identify when sterility has been broken and know what actions to take