Assist in the preparation of individuals for operative and clinically invasive procedures

​This standard is about assisting with the preparation of individuals for operative procedures. This includes providing assistance to the registered practitioner during draping and the preparation of the operative sites.

You will be working in a 'scrubbed' role whilst undertaking these activities. 

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1. ​access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
7. identify the individual's operative site, and clarify any uncertainties with the registered practitioner before assisting with the preparation
8. identify potential sources of contamination and take appropriate action to minimise any risks
9. assist in the preparation of the individual in a manner which optimises their dignity, comfort and safety
10. select and handle surgical instrumentation and supplementary items in line with manufacturers' instructions and in a manner which minimises the risk of harm
11. select an appropriate site on the sterile field for attaching surgical instruments and supplementary items
12. ensure all swabs and items used in the preparation of the operative site are accounted for and recorded in accordance with organisational policies and procedures prior to safe disposal 
13. dispose of waste in accordance with organizational policies and procedures complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements
14. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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1. ​the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. evidence-based practice and its role in improving care
10. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
11. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
12. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
13. the types, purpose and function of surgical instrumentation and supplementary items used in individual preparation for surgery
14. factors which affect the choice of surgical instrumentation and supplementary items for individual individuals
15. factors which affect the choice of appropriate sites for attaching instrumentation
16. common skin preparation agents and their presentation, nomenclature and mechanism/mode of action
17. precautions required to prevent allergic reactions and diathermy burns
18. the types of surgical drape in common use, and the effectiveness of different types of material as barriers to cross infection
19. the dangers of re-using equipment designed for single use only
20. the relationship between effective surgical field preparation, prevention of wound contamination and surgical access
21. specific instances where particular, non-routine methods are used to prepare the surgical field on the ward and in the operating department, and the rationale for this
22. safe and effective methods of applying skin preparation agents and the type and extent of skin preparation needed
23. the specific lines of accountability within the surgical team
24. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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2

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHPCS15

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Perioperative, care, preparation, invasive, procedures

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