The Operation Theatre (OT) Technician course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to assist in surgical procedures, manage medical equipment, and provide pre-operative and post-operative care. The course content is generally structured to cover both theoretical and practical aspects of operation theatre management and healthcare assistance. Here’s a typical outline of the OT Technician course content:
1st Year:
1. Introduction to Operation Theatre Technology:
- Overview of the role of an OT technician.
- Structure and functioning of an operation theatre.
- Different types of operation theatres (e.g., general, specialty theatres).
- Medical terminology related to surgery and OT procedures.
2. Anatomy and Physiology:
- Basic human anatomy: body systems, organs, tissues, and their functions.
- Understanding surgical procedures in relation to body structures.
- Physiology of circulation, respiration, and metabolism in surgical care.
3. Microbiology and Infection Control:
- Basics of microbiology: microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and their role in infections.
- Sterilization techniques and disinfection in OT.
- Infection control practices to maintain a sterile environment.
- Cross-contamination and methods to prevent infections in OT.
4. Medical-Surgical Instruments and Equipment:
- Study of surgical instruments used in the operation theatre (e.g., scalpels, forceps, scissors, needles).
- Care and maintenance of surgical tools.
- Introduction to modern OT equipment: operating lights, anesthesia machines, monitoring devices, etc.
5. Pre-operative and Post-operative Care:
- Pre-operative preparation: patient assessment, sterilization, and patient positioning.
- Post-operative care: monitoring vital signs, wound care, and infection prevention.
- Understanding patient recovery stages after surgery.
6. Pharmacology for OT Technicians:
- Basic understanding of common drugs used in surgery (e.g., anesthetics, antibiotics).
- Dosage forms and medication administration.
- Safe handling and storage of medications in OT settings.
2nd Year:
7. Anesthesia Techniques:
- Introduction to anesthesia types (local, regional, and general).
- Role of an OT technician in assisting anesthesia administration.
- Monitoring the patient under anesthesia during surgery.
- Handling anesthesia equipment (e.g., machines, gas delivery systems).
8. Surgical Procedures and Specialties:
- Overview of various surgical procedures (e.g., orthopedic, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, etc.).
- Role of the OT technician in assisting with these procedures.
- Understanding different surgical specialties and instruments specific to them.
9. Advanced OT Equipment:
- Handling and maintenance of advanced OT equipment such as ventilators, defibrillators, monitoring systems, and electrosurgical units.
- Troubleshooting and ensuring the functionality of OT equipment during surgeries.
10. OT Safety and Emergency Procedures:
- Safety protocols in the OT environment.
- Handling medical emergencies and complications during surgery.
- CPR and basic life support (BLS) training.
- Fire safety, electrical safety, and biohazard waste management in OT.
11. Medical Ethics and Legal Aspects:
- Ethical responsibilities and confidentiality in the OT.
- Legal regulations governing OT practices.
- Role of an OT technician in patient care and legal compliance.
12. Communication and Teamwork in the OT:
- Importance of effective communication in the OT setting.
- Collaboration with surgeons, nurses, anesthetists, and other medical professionals.
- Handling stress and emergency situations in the OT.
3rd Year:
13. Advanced Clinical Practice:
- Hands-on experience in the operation theatre.
- Assisting during surgeries under supervision.
- Monitoring patients during and after surgery.
- Preparing and managing the OT for various types of surgeries.
14. Documentation and Record-Keeping:
- Proper documentation of surgical procedures, patient details, and surgical instruments used.
- Maintaining sterile records and patient charts.
15. Research and Development in OT:
- Study of new advancements and innovations in OT technology.
- Introduction to evidence-based practices in OT.
- Research in infection control, surgical procedures, and new OT technologies.