Abstract

Preparation for your first surgical firm - an insight into perioperative practice

Author(s): Ms Jane Nicklin CertHE,Ms Jane Nicklin

Background: Traditionally at the University of Leeds (UK), medical students are allocated in small groups to their first Surgical Firm for approximately six weeks, usually during their third year. During this allocation there is an expectation from students and staff that they will spend some time in the operating theatre; preparation for this experience has habitually been neglected and the majority of students feel ill-equipped and apprehensive.

Objectives: To organise, develop and evaluate pilot sessions for medical students which introduce them not only to a simulated theatre setting, but also to the roles and responsibilities of the theatre team, the method of surgical-scrub and to provide an initial insight into the patients’ journey.

Discussion: This paper describes the planning, implementation and reflection of the pilot sessions which utilise innovative resources and subject specific material. Both student and peer evaluation of the sessions is considered. The sessions highlight a range of learning models and theories which would wholly benefit the student’s learning and prepare them more adequately for this environment. Suggestions are made with regard to mentoring, inter-professional learning and workshop plans. This successful pilot study encourages a similar workshop to be incorporated into the medical curriculum.