Journal of Perioperative Practice

The role of the surgical care practitioner has been in existence for many years in some form or another with a variety of job titles and a wide range of duties. With the adoption of the European Working Time Directive and the need for skilled assistance, not only at the operating table but also pre and post surgery, the role is becoming formalised with voluntary codes of conduct, performance, ethics, standards and scope of practice.

Recovery rooms hold an undeniably important place in the perioperative journey for the patient. It is here that possible complications following anaesthesia or surgery can be detected and rectified and patients can be made comfortable before returning to the ward. This article explores the vital aspects of patient assessment which are important for any recovery practitioner to consider.

Changes within the NHS have established perioperative practitioners, as well as other healthcare professionals, in roles that include obtaining informed consent. Practitioners involved in these roles require highly developed communication skills (Church 2008a). This article examines the philosophy of risk communication and explores the often complex skill of communication in informed consent.

Fractures are common injuries and their management has evolved over the last 30 years with a greater propensity to treat fractures surgically. There have also been advances in the understanding of the principles of bone healing and the implications on implant choice. This article highlights the various surgical fixation devices available for the management of fractures and their underlying principles of action.

In the 19th century, gastric cancer was the commonest cause of deaths from malignant disease in the Western World. (Interestingly enough, for no certain reason, it has progressively dropped down to seventh place).