Reforming the national Operating Department Practitioner workforce

Funded by NHS England, this collaborative project brings together experts from Canterbury Christ Church University, University of Leeds and University of East Anglia, on behalf of the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP) to strengthen the impact of the Operating Department Practitioner profession across the NHS.

Operating Department Practitioners are allied health professionals who are crucial to the delivery of care to patients having surgery. Based mainly in operating departments, Operating Department Practitioners also provide skilled care and support across hospitals within anaesthetics, surgery and recovery. CCCU has been at the forefront of evolving Operating Department Practice since the 1990s, from early qualifications such as NVQ and diploma, to becoming the first UK university to offer a BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice. This project provides an opportunity for CCCU to continue to lead the Operating Department Practitioner profession into the 21^st century.

Leading the project are Dr Luke Ewart, Principal Lecturer in Operating Department Practice and School Director of Research and Scholarship, and John Hammond, Professor of Interprofessional Practice, from the School of Allied and Public Health Professions.

Luke said: “This is an exciting opportunity to lead a significant national initiative which will ensure the Operating Department Practitioner profession continues to evolve in order to provide the best care for future surgical patients. The project will support those aspiring to become an Operating Department Practitioner all the way through to advanced practice”.

John added: “This is a novel project that brings together voices from students, experts by experience, Operating Department Practitioners, theatre managers, and practice educators to co-create a number of activities and outputs which will help future proof the profession.”

The project will work closely with key partners, learners and experts by experience and aims to:

1. Reframe Operating Department Practitioner identity as autonomous professionals combining technical expertise and emotional support in critical patient interactions.
2. Revitalise pathways into and through pre-qualifying education to ensure diverse learners have a sense of belonging and thrive.
3. Reenergise the existing workforce by signposting and enable greater career development opportunities for current Operating Department Practitioners.
   
   

For more information contact Dr Luke Ewart: Luke.Ewart@canterbury.ac.uk