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Shaheen Khan
Operation theatre technology is a technical occupation in the field of health sciences. Also known as operating theatre technicians (OTT), surgical scrubs or operating room assistants, medical professionals from this field are an important part of the operation unit team. They work alongside the surgeon, anesthesiologist and nurse to provide quality patient-care during the surgery.
The technicians ensure that all processes in the operation theatre are secure. Their primary duty is to take care of the management of the operation theatre, which comprise maintenance of surgical instruments, sterilisation, preparation of dressing table, operation theatre table, instrument table and anesthesia table. They also keep a stock of the drugs necessary for surgery, anesthetic gases, drapes and linen and their sterilisation. That all tools functioning appropriately is also their job.
Skills needed
Apart from the basic educational qualification, good scientific, communication and behavioural skills are must haves for surgical technologists. An eye for detail, accuracy and critical thinking are important well. Team work is essential. The job necessitates a person to work in partnership with other healthcare providers. They should have the aptitude to work under minimal regulation, unpredictable shifts and long hours. One must also realise the importance of remaining alert during operations.
Career prospects
The operation theatre technician supervises the arrangements in the operation room and keeps a tab on the requirements of the patient and the surgical team. Surgical team members function in two capacities — nonsterile and sterile.
During a surgical procedure, the area near the patient is referred to as the sterile field. Anyone functioning in this field put on sterile gloves and a gown. The sterile team members are the doctors, surgical assistants and surgical technologists.
During the surgery, scrub technicians in the sterile field offer suction and retraction as engaged, and hand the surgeon essential instruments, sponges and other items.
Technicians functioning outside the sterile field are said to be circulating, which means they help the other team members in monitoring the patient and the procedure. They provide extra supplies and sterile instruments required during the surgery, and assist the scrub tech in maintaining a count of pads and sponges in use.
Academic qualification
Diploma in Operation Theatre Technician, BSc Surgical Technology and MSc Surgical Technology are the main courses in the field of OTT. The eligibility criteria for the two-year diploma and three-year BSc course is Class XII or its equal. The applicants should have a minimum of 50 per cent marks in physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. A number of institutes offer three-year diploma and one-year certificate course for individuals who have passed Class X.
Course curriculum of surgical technology include meticulous classroom training in subjects like anatomy and physiology, biomedical science, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, obstetrics and gynaecology etc. Education about basics of surgical procedures, equipment operations and handling skills are imparted during the course. The students are also provided hands-on clinical experience, seminars, computer-aided knowledge and visits to manufacturing units.
Remuneration
Pay scale in surgical technology depends on one's qualification, knowledge and the status of the hospital. Graduates can expect a salary of Rs 15,000- Rs 20,000. The salary of an individual increases with experience.
Caretakers of hygiene
Surgical technicians clean and arrange the operating room prior to and after each procedure, ensuring that it is completely stocked with instrument and sterile disposable items. They must have the crucial knowledge to make sure the patient gets quality care throughout the operative process.
Employment opportunities
Hospitals are the crucial employers of surgical and operation theatre technologists. They work in the operating theatres, ICUs and emergency unit of hospitals and nursing homes. Openings are available in the areas of transplant teams, gynaecology sections, orthopaedic clinics, cancer units, surgery, special care baby units, etc. and also in the field of research, culture and training. They are needed to work with physicians or dentists who carry out outpatient surgery
Institute watch
Surgical technicians have several duties to perform. Some of these are:
— The writer is Director of CEDP Skill Institute, Mumbai