Discuss The Role That The Operating Department Pra

2383 Words10 Pages
Throughout this essay I am going to discuss the important role that the operating department practitioner (O.D.P) plays in keeping the patient safe during their perioperative journey. This essay will also include topics such as hand washing, the different styles of hand washing and the importance of a good aseptic technique within the perioperative environment. It will also discuss how to maintain a sterile field, the disposure of clinical waste, importance of sharps safety, safe surgical positioning and manual handling. The patient’s perioperative journey begins in the anaesthetic room and ends at the doors of the recovery room. On admission to hospital the patient is fitted with an identification tag which is usually placed on the patient’s wrist this should include their name, date of birth and patients hospital number. Before the patient is called to the anaesthetic room all anaesthetic equipment and machines must be checked and a record of the name of the person that checked it must be recorded along with the date. All other machines such as diathermy and suction machines must also be checked as well as other electrical equipment and theatre room lights. All drugs used for the planned case will also then be checked and prepared ready for the anaesthetist (Aitkenhead 2007). Upon entering the anaesthetic room the patient may be feeling a little venerable and unsure of what is happening therefore reassuring the patient and having good communication skills is important we should introduce our self and be able to explain what is happening and why, in a way that the patient understands (Oakley & Limborgh 2005). The patient must then be asked to confirm that all the details on the identity band are correct and coincide with the information in the notes it is also very important to check that the patients consent form is signed and dated for the correct procedure

More about Discuss The Role That The Operating Department Pra

Open Document