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SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Diploma: Operating Department Assistance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
80446  Diploma: Operating Department Assistance 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Private Hospitals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  SFAP - Sub-framework Assignment Pending 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 9900/00  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2023-06-30   2025-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the learner with the necessary knowledge and skills required to function as a safe operating department assistant in both private and public health care units. The operating department assistant will be able to function in either the sterile or non-sterile areas and will have the necessary knowledge and skills to create a safe therapeutic environment for both patient and personnel by assisting the registered professional in the physical aspects of preparing the theatre environment for anaesthetic, diagnostic and surgical interventions.

The qualification will enable learners to utilise their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to prepare the operating theatre for relevant procedures. The theory and application of sterile and aseptic procedures combined with knowledge of theatre procedures will assist the learner to prepare the environment for anaesthetic, diagnostic and surgical procedures. The qualification will allow the learner to assist the registered health professional within the peri-operative environment to perform peri-operative procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, sterile conditions are maintained, that equipment functions optimally and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximise patient safety. The learner will be competent to deliver a service in accordance with the required health and safety regulations, ethics and health codes of practice.

Rationale:

South Africa, like many other countries in the international arena, has identified the need to address healthcare skills and staff shortages within the operating theatre environment by introducing a multi-skilled approach to the staffing of operating theatres. The critical healthcare skills shortage, coupled with advances in technology, the increasing number of surgical procedures being performed and the dynamic nature of healthcare delivery, requires an assistant with an understanding of the operating theatre environment who can perform specific tasks within the operating theatre department, thus allowing the professionals within the environment to focus on profession-specific duties and skills.

This qualification will allow learners to become a part of the multidisciplinary operating department team, assisting in the anaesthetic room, the operating theatre as well as the post anaesthetic care unit. Learners will have knowledge and skill related to the specialised operating department environment allowing them to assist in the systematic functioning of peri-operative care. Introducing this cadre of worker as a skilled assistant will free the various health professional team members from the more technical tasks so that they can focus on more specialised aspects of peri-operative interventions. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Grade 12 certificate or recognised equivalent at NQF Level 4.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF 4.

    It is strongly recommended that the learner is competent in End-user Computing at NQF Level 3.

    It is also strongly recommended that the learner is proficient in reading, speaking and writing in the English language medium, as this is the language in which all learning material is available.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification can be achieved wholly, or in part, through recognition of prior learning. Evidence may be presented in a variety of forms, including previous international or local qualifications, reports, testimonials, mentoring, portfolios, work records and performance appraisals.

    Recognition will be granted in accordance with the specific institutional requirements, in agreement with the relevant ETQA.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access is open, conditional to the learning assumed to be in place and learner access to a facility that will enable clinical practice to take place under recognised supervision. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises theoretical and practical learning components, both of which are compulsory and contribute to the required credits.

    Learners must achieve a minimum of 360 credits which will be awarded after completion of, and proven competency in, all the Exit Level Outcomes and Summative Assessment. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Assist in the provision of an optimum environment for care and treatment of the peri-operative patient.

    2. Prepare and assist in the operating department for anaesthetic, diagnostic or surgical interventions.

    3. Apply knowledge of fundamental biomedical, biotechnological and psychosocial sciences within the operating department context.

    4. Function as part of the multidisciplinary team and maintain effective relationships with patients and members of the healthcare team.

    5. Apply ethical and legal principles throughout.

    6. Implement and maintain an effective document management system within the operating department.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems using critical and creative thinking within the operating department environment Is demonstrated in the application of basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pharmacology in the provision of patient care in the operating department environment and using critical thinking in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patients and their individualised needs.
  • Working effectively with others to develop collaboration within the multidisciplinary team, in the treatment of the peri-operative patient is demonstrated by maintaining professionalism in communication strategies and demonstrating understanding of diversity and cultural sensitivity in the interaction with people within the peri-operative environment.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively to ensure optimum care and treatment in an peri-operative environment Is demonstrated by using correct management of self and time to ensure implementation of optimal peri-operative care.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information relating to the operating department relating to health, legislation and structures and processes that impact peri-operative care is demonstrated by the application of available information in the management and maintenance of a therapeutic peri-operative environment.
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation to collaborate within the multidisciplinary team and to impact on patient care is demonstrated by the application of total acceptance of diversity in all interactions with personnel and patients within the peri-operative environment.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and towards the health of others in order to work effectively in the operating department is demonstrated in the use of technology in a responsible way in the operating department.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving in the operating department context does not exist in isolation but is interlinked with the collaborative care within the health context Is evidenced in the participation of seeing to the needs of patients and personnel in all areas of the peri-operative environment and working in harmony with the multidisciplinary team members. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 The functioning of the operating theatre is described in terms of physical layout, theatre maintenance, infection prevention and occupational health and safety.
    1.2 The health and safety of the of the patients and operating department team is maintained through the implementation of occupational health and safety legal requirements.
    Range: Health and Safety includes, but is not limited to: Standard Precautions, environmental hygiene, decontamination of the theatre, principles of infection prevention, sterilisation principles and maintenance of the sterile environment
    1.3 The peri-operative environment is managed through the application of the scientific approach of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation.
    1.4 The specific requirements for surgical patients with special needs and those at high risk in the peri-operative environment are applied.
    Range includes but is not limited to: Circulating duties within the theatre environment, patient monitoring and recording, assisting in recovery room, fundamental principles and procedures in assisting with anaesthetics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 A comprehensive history of a patient in a specialised care unit is obtained from the unit personnel prior to the preparation of the operating theatre for that patient.
    2.2 Knowledge of anaesthetic, diagnostic and surgical procedures is applied in the selection and preparation of appropriate equipment for the relevant procedure.
    2.3 Pre-operative preparation for anaesthetic, diagnostic or surgical interventions is carried out timeously and includes implementation of protocols, care of medical devices and maintenance of equipment and supplies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Fundamental knowledge and understanding of the body and its functioning is applied in the preparation of the operating theatre.
    3.2 Fundamental knowledge of biotechnological sciences is demonstrated during peri-operative procedures through the efficient management of the required equipment.
    Range of management of equipment includes, but is not limited to: Selection, setting up, monitoring, stripping, cleaning and storing
    3.3 Fundamental knowledge of psychosocial sciences is demonstrated through the creation and maintenance of an optimum therapeutic environment for the peri-operative patient throughout the duration of the patient's presence in the theatre environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 All activities carried out within the operating department environment indicate collaboration with the various members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
    4.2 Interaction with patients indicates effective and positive usage of interpersonal skills.
    Range of interpersonal skills includes, but is not limited to: Patient advocacy, cultural sensitivity and diversity.
    4.3 Personal interactions with the multi-disciplinary team members indicates an understanding of own role and the need for sustained professional behaviour.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

    5.1 Application of patient confidentiality, advocacy and patient rights are continuously demonstrated in the day to day activities of the operating department assistant.
    5.2 Requirements of applicable laws, regulations, protocols and procedures are consistently adhered to in all peri-operative events and activities to ensure the safety of personnel and patients and prevent the occurrence of medico-legal incidents.
    5.3 All emergency equipment and lines of communication are frequently checked and/or tested to ensure effective responses and reactions when needed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

    6.1 Records are maintained, kept up-to-date and stored in a secured area.
    6.2 Access privileges and codes are developed and maintained to ensure patient confidentiality.
    6.3 Electronic material is backed up and stored in a separate facility to ensure safe-keeping.
    6.4 Daily statistics and/or reports are kept and submitted as required by institutional and legal requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment and evaluation during the programme takes place through a process of continuous evaluation, based on a comprehensive and integrated approach.

    The criteria for assessing learners are based on the learning outcomes listed above and the strategies that will be used to ensure that all the outcomes are achieved.

    Integrated assessment comprises formative and summative assessment.

    Formative assessment may be given by means of:
  • Case presentations.
  • Clinical simulations.
  • Peri-operative care plans.
  • Workbooks.
  • Tests.
  • Oral presentations by individuals and project teams.
  • Clinical evaluations.

    Summative evaluation may be made by means of:
  • Written and oral examinations.
  • Clinical examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    It is increasingly evident that there is a world wide need for formally trained operating department assistants. Operating department assistants have established themselves internationally as competent and independent practitioners who can contribute significantly in the operating department. The International Red Cross Committee (ICRC) deploys medical teams which include trained operating theatre assistants to all areas of the world which are prone to natural disasters, inter alia, Turkey, Chile, Brazil, Indonesia, Asia, the South Pacific Islands, the Caribbean Islands and adjoining islands and countries, as well as various regions of Tropical and Equatorial Africa. These operating department assistants are trained in various countries.

    In the Unites States of America, 45 universities are accredited to train the Diploma in Higher Education: 'Operating Department Practice', through formal programmes offered by colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals, and the military.

    In San Diego, California, Operating room assistants who are certified through either the Certified Surgical Technologist examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the Technician in Surgery-Certified examination administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. They provide support to the surgical team and need to be knowledgeable about safety precautions, aseptic techniques, sterilization techniques, care and maintenance of surgical equipment and emergency procedures.

    In the United Kingdom, 28 universities offer a Diploma in Higher Education qualification in Operating Department Practice. It is usually offered as a full time course over two academic years, with some universities offering it as a part time course. A degree programme in the subject is currently being considered by the National Health Council with a view to this becoming the minimum level qualification to gain entry to the register by 2012/2013.

    In Singapore, there is a Singapore Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support (Operating Theatre Support) offered by the HMI Institute of Health Sciences. The operating theatre assistant assists and supports the nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers in operating theatre procedures. Students work in the operating theatre department of hospitals. Upon completion, students become qualified operating theatre assistants and receive the nationally recognised WSQ.

    Conclusion:

    This qualification has been compared to similar qualifications offered in several other countries around the world. It has been found comparable to the areas of best practice identified amongst the currently existing qualifications. There is a growing need in South Africa for this cadre of worker to assist where there is a critical shortage of registered professionals. The need for the operating theatre assistant is enhanced by the special skills required to cope with the increasing amount of technologically-advanced and ever-advancing machinery and equipment used in operating theatres. This qualification will be of great benefit in both the private and public sectors and will also be of benefit to our immediate neighbours and subsequently, all of sub-Saharan Africa. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation is possible with:
  • Diploma in Nursing, at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical articulation is possible with the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor: Nursing, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with a relevant Education, Training, Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA and be in possession of a relevant qualification at least at NQF Level 8.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors must be accredited with the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2018. As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2018. N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    90594  Diploma in Operating Department Assistance  Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd - Corporate Office  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  360     CHE  HEQSF 
    88919  Diploma: Operating Department Assistance  Life Healthcare Group (prev College of Learning/Afrox Coll of Nursing)  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  360     CHE  HEQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Accredited Provider
    90594  Diploma in Operating Department Assistance  1. Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd - Bellville
    2. Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd - Corporate Office
    3. Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd - Polokwane  
    88919  Diploma: Operating Department Assistance  Life Healthcare Group (prev College of Learning/Afrox Coll of Nursing)  


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.