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Perioperative core generic skills and values – perioperative and surgical practice

This module is designed to enhance the knowledge and clinical competencies of registered healthcare professionals who are either new to the perioperative environment or unfamiliar with the specific processes and standards of perioperative and surgical care within the UK. It provides a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices essential for delivering safe, effective, and patient-centred care throughout the surgical pathway.

Participants will develop the knowledge and practical skills necessary to support patients undergoing surgical procedures, with a focus on both pre-operative and intra-operative care. The module also introduces key surgical skills and fosters critical thinking through the application of evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making. Emphasis is placed on the identification and management of risks and complications associated with surgical interventions.

Key themes and content

Theatre Design and Etiquette: Understanding the layout, flow, and behavioural expectations within the operating theatre.

Personal and Team Safety: Including anthropometry, ergonomics, and risk assessment in the perioperative setting.

Ethics and Legal Considerations: Exploring professional responsibilities, informed consent, and patient rights.

Care Planning and Surgical Preparation: Including pre-assessment, pre-surgical interventions, and pain management strategies.

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Collaboration: Roles and responsibilities within the MDT and extended surgical team.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS): Principles and implementation to support optimal patient outcomes.

Patient Safety and Human Factors: Application of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, infection prevention, decontamination, and the impact of non-technical skills on surgical outcomes.

Operational Processes: Including waiting list management and theatre scheduling.

This multidisciplinary module promotes ethical practice, adherence to theatre protocols, and a culture of safety, teamwork, and collaboration. It aims to holistically prepare healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality perioperative care that is aligned with national standards and best practices.

Certification pathway

To obtain the full Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), participants must successfully complete this module in conjunction with PCPH3056: Anaesthetic Support and Post Anaesthetic Care. If taken as a standalone module, participants will receive a transcript awarding 30 credits, which may contribute towards a future academic award or Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Academic and clinical requirements

Learning outcomes

Critically review the underpinning evidence relating to the principles and practice of surgical care.

Critically appraise the potential complications and risks associated with surgical procedures and discuss appropriate strategies to manage them.

Critically analyse the expectations with regards the role of the surgical practitioner within the multidisciplinary team.

Critically analyse the application of human factors, interpersonal and communication, teamwork, workplace culture and non-technical skills linked to the perioperative and surgical care role.

Demonstrate safe and effective clinical and surgical skills within the area of practice.

Assessment

• 3,000 word essay
• 30 minute poster presentation
• Practice Assessment Document (PAD)

Entry criteria

Must have completed a first level degree or equivalent as deemed by the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) register or Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Registered practitioner with the NMC or HCPC

Have proof of support from their line manager.

Have undertaken an induction to their perioperative department to understand the environment they will undertake their practice in. 

How to apply

Online application forms and guidance for application process