TPT 2.08 Enhancing Operating Theatre Safety: Early Skills Training for Medical Students

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ID: 324089
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Aim Surgery is a key component of undergraduate medical education, and student placements in the operating theatre are mandated by the General Medical Council. However, to the unfamiliar the operating theatre can be potentially unsafe, posing risks to the student, other staff and patients. Early development of familiarity, confidence and skills can aid student learning and mitigate the risks. We present our method for addressing these safety issues, and a qualitative assessment of its efficacy. Methods A teaching course enrolled 26 first-year medical students, with no prior training in surgical skills. 8 concepts were taught: theatre roles, instrument identification, patient preparation and the sterile field, diathermy safety, surgical scrubbing and gowning, handling of sharp instruments, local anaesthetic use, and suturing. Students completed a pre-training and post-training survey of confidence in each skill and overall confidence in entering the operating theatre. Results All 8 concepts showed a post-training increase, with overall confidence in entering the operating theatre showing a significant improvement post-training (median score 2 pre-training, 7 post-training, out of 10). Significant improvements were seen in surgical scrubbing and gowning (median score increase of 7 points) and instrument identification (median score increase of 6 points). Conclusion Operating theatre safety is fundamental, affecting medical students on placement, as well as other staff and patients. Early development of student familiarity and confidence with the skills and knowledge needed for this environment is key to safe practice. Our course demonstrates an effective method of developing these skills and knowledge for medical students.
Reference Key
openalex_W7172548534 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Ashley Hill, Sophie Burgess, Thomas Bragg, Nia Mckay
Journal the british journal of surgery
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/bjs/znag087.177
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/bjs/znag087.177
Keywords Keywords not found

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