Surgical assistance - who can help?

Abstract

Changes affecting surgical training, together with the implementation of the European Working Time Directive, have necessitated increased reliance on non-medically qualified assistants. Such assistance must be performed by suitably educated personnel. The RCS, The Perioperative Care Collaborative (PCC) and The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) all play a role in ensuring high standards of patient care. In so doing, they have determined the circumstances and the level at which such assistance may be given by three grades of perioperative personnel. It is essential that surgeons understand and support such non-medically qualified colleagues in adhering to these standards.