All students are required to complete the following essential Direct Observational Procedural Skills (DOPS) by the end of the programme:
Core clinical practice
Take baseline physiological observations (measure temperature, respiratory rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturations and urine output) and record and interpret appropriately
Perform surgical scrubbing up
Core clinical practical procedures
Perform venepuncture
Perform intravenous cannulation
Perform arterial blood gas (ABG) and acid base sampling from the radial artery in adults and be able to interpret results
Take blood for culture of infectious organisms
Measure capillary blood glucose
Explain to patient how to perform peak expiratory flow, assess that it is performed adequately and interpret results
Perform a urine multi dipstick test and be able to interpret results
Perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and be able to interpret results
Take and/or instruct patients how to take a swab
Perform a male and female urinary catheterisation
Perform manual handling safely
Core therapeutic procedures
Carry out nasogastric tube placement (in simulation only)
Recommend and administer oxygen appropriately
Instruct patients in the use of devices for inhaled medication
Undertake basic drug calculations
Prepare and administer subcutaneous medication
Prepare and administer intramuscular medication
Perform wound care and dressing
Perform wound closure and suturing (year 2 only)
In year one of the programme, students are required to complete a minimum of four essential DOPS from the above list.
The following desirable DOPS can be undertaken by the student if the opportunity arises:
Core clinical practice
Perform a speculum examination and obtain high vaginal swabs
Diabetic foot examination
Core clinical practical procedures
Perform fluorescein dye examination
Perform PR examination
Undertake incision and drainage of abscesses
Core therapeutic procedures
Commence and manage nebulised therapy
Set up an infusion
Use local anaesthetics in different forms (topical, subcutaneous, infiltration, urethral)
Prepare and administer intravenous medication