Faculty of Health

This module will augment existing training programmes for surgical trainees by offering higher level academic opportunities.  The module will extend students beyond acquisition of essential knowledge and skills to also develop the scholarly skills of reflection and critical thinking essential for independent clinical practice in laparoscopic surgery.

Students will be able to demonstrate that they have reflected on and developed abilities and skills in their own laparoscopic surgical technique and practice, that they understand what constitutes an appropriate laparoscopic surgical environment and know the technological limitations and developments in this field.

Participants will be a registered healthcare professional and will be in active surgical practice and training.

This module will cover how surgical knowledge and practice, with respect to laparoscopic surgery, is developed and maintained.  It addresses attitudes to safe surgery, the difference between open and laparoscopic surgical environments and the risks and benefits of laparoscopic procedures.  Taught skills will include the general principles of laparoscopic surgery, safe placements of ports, knotting, typing, clipping and suturing and the various applications of staplers.  Operative approaches to appendisectomy, cholecystectomy and closure of perforated duodenal ulcers will be covered in depth.

Activities include self-directed study and reading of the literature and knowledge based discussions with experts in laparoscopic surgery.  Observed practice and discussion in a practical skills laboratory together with observation whilst in practice are essential parts of this module. 

Teaching

Activities include self-directed study and reading of the literature and knowledge based discussions with experts in laparoscopic surgery.  Observed practice and discussion in a practical skills laboratory together with observation whilst in practice are essential parts of this module.

Assessment

• Logbook of workplace based assessment of surgical skills including competency in taking informed consent with signature from an expert, recognised by the module tutors, when satisfactory minimum standard has been achieved.
• Portfolio of critical reflection on six surgical cases completed laparoscopically.  These cases should detail the reasons for using this technique and the possible drawbacks.  The cases will detail the background behind why this technique is an improvement over the previous procedure technique.  The difficulties encountered and particular skills needed for this approach will also form part of the case write up.  The case should have an angle of clinical or scholarly interest that the student will develop through reflection and a reasoned argument.
• Reflection of an audit on a laparoscopic topic, showing an understanding of the place and limitations of a minimally invasive approach and possible future development.

Course Dates: June 2014