The perioperative specialist practitioner: developing and evaluating a new surgical role

Area of Science:

• Surgical Care Delivery
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Patient Support Services

Background:

• The Working Time Directive necessitated innovative solutions for surgical care.
• A new professional role, the perioperative specialist practitioner (PSP), was designed to provide integrated patient care.
• This role aims to bridge preoperative and postoperative care within hospital settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and evaluate the new perioperative specialist practitioner (PSP) role.
• To assess the effectiveness of a 1-year training program for PSPs.
• To understand the challenges and successes of integrating PSPs into surgical teams.

Main Methods:

• A 1-year training program incorporating theoretical modules and supervised practical experience was developed.
• An independent research team used qualitative methods, including 124 interviews, for role and training evaluation.
• Observational data were collected by the project team and analyzed using standard qualitative techniques.

Main Results:

• 27 PSPs participated across 12 NHS trusts.
• The PSP role was generally perceived as successful and positive, offering solutions for reduced junior medical cover.
• Key challenges included lack of mentorship and initial opposition, while the training program was highly successful.

Conclusions:

• Perioperative specialist practitioners (PSPs) can deliver high levels of expertise within defined limits.
• The developed training program is effective and perceived as high-quality.
• Successful introduction of new roles requires careful management of time and sensitivity to minimize opposition.