Supporting Theatre Practice for PCAs

Deepen your knowledge of theatre practice, from preparing the sterile environment and specialised equipment to assisting the surgeon during aseptic procedures.

  • PCA

  • 2.5 hours

      Overview

      This course is designed for Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) who have been in practice for 18–24 months and wish to progress or specialise in the theatre environment. You will explore the roles of the circulating and surgical assistant, including how to aseptically scrub into sterile procedures and behave within the theatre. The training delves into the identification, cleaning, and care of specialised instruments, as well as the essential maintenance of equipment such as autoclaves and water distillers. By covering everything from initial preparation to deep cleaning, this course builds the advanced skills needed to support a surgical team effectively.

      Intended learning outcomes

      By the end of this course, you should be able to:
      • Prepare a theatre environment for damp dusting and use during a procedure for closing and deep cleaning
      • Describe how to aseptically prepare yourself for scrubbing into a sterile theatre procedure to assist the surgeon
      • Explain the role of the PCA in surgery, including circulating and aseptic assistance
      • Identify various surgical instruments used in veterinary procedures
      • Explain the various sterilisation procedures for instruments, including packaging
      • Describe how to care for and maintain veterinary equipment, including instruments, autoclaves and water distillers
      “I have always believed, and I still believe, that whatever good or bad fortune may come our way we can always give it meaning and transform it into something of value.”
      HERMANN HESSE, SIDDHARTHA