References

Health Education England. National operating department practitioner (ODP) workforce programme 2021-22. Scoping the future of the ODP workforce. Full report. 2022. https://tinyurl.com/2ek2n8yk (accessed 4 April 2025)

NHS England. NHS long term workforce plan. 2024. https://tinyurl.com/4er8zfkj (accessed 4 April 2025)

Royal College of Surgeons of England. Surgical first assistant. 2025. https://tinyurl.com/4us6saz9 (accessed December 2024)

OPDs and registered nurses: collaborative roles

17 April 2025
Volume 34 · Issue 8

Abstract

The operating department practitioner (ODP) workforce is uniquely skilled and vital to the delivery of care in the 21st century (Health Education England, 2022). The updated NHS England workforce plan (2024) discusses their evolving role and suggests a strategic focus on enhancing their education to better prepare them for expanded responsibilities and to optimise their contribution to the workforce. The plan emphasises the importance of including theatre first assistant training in ODP education.

The operating department practitioner (ODP) workforce is uniquely skilled and vital to the delivery of care in the 21st century (Health Education England, 2022). The updated NHS England workforce plan (2024) discusses their evolving role and suggests a strategic focus on enhancing their education to better prepare them for expanded responsibilities and to optimise their contribution to the workforce. The plan emphasises the importance of including theatre first assistant training in ODP education.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England (2025) defines the surgical first assistant as a registered health professional who provides ‘continuous competent and dedicated assistance under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon… whilst not performing any form of surgical intervention’. The objective is to prepare ODPs to play a more active role, such as assisting surgeons directly during procedures, which can improve efficiency and effectiveness. By also incorporating critical care training into the pre-registration curriculum, the plan aims to equip ODPs with the ability to manage patients in critical care settings and broadens their scope of practice.

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