SGT 100 Introduction to Surgical Technology

This course introduces surgical technology as a technical profession. Topics include professionalism, communication, the biopsychosocial needs of the surgical patient, ethical/legal issues specific to the perioperative setting, and patient and workplace safety. This course also introduces skill development related to sterile technique.

Credits

2

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

SGT 100 Introduction to Surgical Technology

Campus Location

  • Dover

Effective Date

202353

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

2 credit(s)

1 lecture hours/week

2 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces surgical technology as a technical profession. Topics include professionalism, communication, the biopsychosocial needs of the surgical patient, ethical/legal issues specific to the perioperative setting, and patient and workplace safety. This course also introduces skill development related to sterile technique.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Analyze the development of the surgical technologist role and employment opportunities available for the surgical technologist. (CCC 1; PGC 1)
  2. Describe the physical environment in the operating room, healthcare facility organization, and management. (CCC 1; PGC 1,4, 5)
  3. Analyze legal issues, documentation, and risk management related to healthcare providers. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 1, 4, 5)
  4. Assess the proper identification process for a surgical patient. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 5)
  5. Discuss the biopsychosocial needs of the surgical patient. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 2, 4, 5)
  6. Demonstrate the steps of a hand wash and a surgical scrub. (CCC 2, 4, 5; PGC 4, 5)
  7. Demonstrate tasks related to pre-operative case management. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  8. Analyze the characteristics of an effective team member and the role of ethics in professional practice. (CCC1,2,3,4; PGC 1,4,5)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Analyze the development of the surgical technologist role and employment opportunities available for the surgical technologist.
    1. Discuss the circumstances that prompted the need for operating room technicians.
    2. Discuss how the military influenced refining the role of the operating room technician (ORT).
    3. Identify the organizations that formalized the technologist education.
    4. Discuss current employment trends and opportunities.
    5. Interpret the components of the surgical technologist job description.
    6. List employment facilities and institutions.
    7. Discuss employability skills and attributes needed for success in the surgical technologist field.
    8. Define scope of practice and aeger primo.
    9. Explain the importance of critical thinking, surgical conscience, and teamwork.
    10. Identify the characteristics of a successful leader and the functions/ roles of leadership.
    11. Explore pathways to advance in management roles.

  2. Describe the physical environment in the operating room, healthcare facility organization, and management.
    1. Review floor plan designs for an operating room (OR).
    2. Describe the traffic patterns in the OR.
    3. Discuss environmental controls in the OR and why they are important.
    4. Identify environmental hazards.
    5. Identify standard equipment and furniture in the operating room suite.
    6. Identify the sections and functions of the OR table.
    7. Discuss facility chain of command and the different roles of team members in the surgical setting.
    8. Differentiate healthcare facility departments related to direct and indirect patient care.
    9. List healthcare agencies that impact the provision of surgical services.
  3. Analyze legal issues, documentation, and risk management related to healthcare providers.
    1. Discuss legal terminology.
    2. Interpret the legal responsibilities of all surgical team members.
    3. Discuss criminal and civil liabilities and the consequences of these acts as they relate to surgical technology.
    4. Identify common areas of negligence in the OR.
    5. Discuss the professional standards of conduct.
    6. Define the Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) code of ethics and recommended standard of practice.
    7. Identify operating room sentinel events and risk management for sentinel events.
    8. Explain the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the standards for maintaining patient confidentiality. 
    9. Explain the purpose of advanced directives and how they impact patient care.
    10. Summarize the intentions of risk management.
    11. Define the various types of legal doctrines.
    12. Describe and discuss the purpose of informed consent.
    13. Review the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Patient Care Partnership.

  4. Assess the proper identification process for a surgical patient.
    1. State the purpose for proper identification.
    2. Describe documentation found in the patient chart.
    3. Describe the basic components of a computer system to secure protected health information (PHI).
    4. Evaluate safe practices for implementing information technology and basic electronic medical records (EMR) systems used.
    5. Demonstrate the process for verifying patient information using time out and safety checklists.
    6. Demonstrate the process to report identification discrepancies.
    7. Communicate effectively with the surgical team.
  5. Discuss the biopsychosocial needs of the surgical patient.
    1. Evaluate the holistic needs of the surgical patient.
    2. Define patient-centered care and outcome oriented care.
    3. Discuss the surgical care considerations for susceptible populations.
    4. Identify responses in relation to the needs of patient populations.
    5. Evaluate attitudes, beliefs, and classifications regarding death and dying.
    6. Define death and the various causes of death.
    7. Analyze quality vs quantity of life.
    8. Compare and contrast responses to the process of death and various coping strategies and mechanisms.
    9. Discuss issues related to suicide.
    10. Describe issues regarding organ and tissue recovery from deceased individuals.
  6. Demonstrate the steps of a hand wash and a surgical scrub.
    1. Describe the considerations to maintaining hand and skin integrity.
    2. Identify the critical elements of performing a medical hand wash.
    3. Demonstrate the steps of a hand wash.
    4. Demonstrate timed method, counted brush stroke method, and waterless/brushless methods of a surgical scrub.
    5. Discuss the concepts of the surgical scrub as related to infection control.
  7. Demonstrate tasks related to pre-operative case management.
    1. Discuss terms related to asepsis and sterile technique.
    2. Evaluate sources of contamination.
    3. Discuss principles and practices of sterile technique and the key elements related to developing a surgical conscience.
    4. Demonstrate sterile technique in pre-operative case management.
    5. Identify, report, and communicate with the team breaks in sterility.
    6. Distinguish between sterile and non-sterile items.
    7. Distinguish between closed-gloving and open-gloving techniques.
    8. Apply proper sterile technique when opening sterile supplies
    9. Demonstrate proper method of donning and doffing of sterile attire.
    10. Demonstrate opening sterile supplies and equipment draping.
    11. Identify and describe the types and purpose of surgical attire and accessories.
    12. Discuss restrictions involving surgical attire.
    13. Describe the types and selection process of gowns and gloves.
  8. Analyze the characteristics of an effective team member and the role of ethics in professional practice.
    1. Define and describe types of communication relationships.
    2. Discuss goals of communication and significance of content and tone in communication.
    3. Discuss strategies for the attainment of effective team goals and methods for successful surgical team participation including roles and responsibilities.
    4. Identify the skills necessary to resolve conflict in the workplace and the strategies to negotiate effective problem resolution.
    5. Distinguish the types of behavioral concerns found in society.
    6. Evaluate the methods to prevent conflict in the surgical arena.
    7. Discuss examples of ethical situations and problems in the health profession and the role of morality during ethical decision-making.
    8. Review principles of problem-solving in ethical decision-making.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Exams (Summative) (Equally Weighted)

30%

Quizzes (Formative)

10%

Assignments (Formative)

5%

Lab Assessments (Formative)

35%

Final Lab Assessment (Summative)

20%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Differentiate the roles and responsibilities of all surgical team members.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to anticipate the needs of surgical patients by properly preparing the operating room suite, equipment, and instrumentation required for surgical interventions.
  3. Demonstrate a professional demeanor when communicating with patients and fellow team members.
  4. Synthesize a surgical conscience.
  5. Participate as an effective and clinically proficient member of the surgical team throughout the perioperative, intraoperative and immediate postoperative periods.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.