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Basic Surgical Skills I (SURG90028)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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The aim of this subject is to develop basic surgical skills. Simulation will enable exposure to a wide range of surgical skills relevant to open and endoscopic surgery. Emphasis will be on introducing and developing
correct techniques. Students will also learn to safely handle surgical instruments, recognize characteristics of different anatomical structures, describe the selection and execution of incisions and principles of
diathermy. The fundamentals of local anaesthesia will also be covered. Students will rehearse patientcentred communication, clinical handover skills, telephone and ward-based communication.

Patient safety is a prominent theme through the subject.

Intended learning outcomes

Students completing this subject should be able to:



  • Describe strategies for use of specific surgical sutures and needles
  • Demonstrate competence in tying a variety of surgical sutures
  • Identify, describe the function and appropriately handle a range of surgical instruments
  • Describe principles in the selection and execution of an incision
  • Describe the principles of handling tissues recognizing requirements for different sites (e.g. skin, bowel, abdominal wall, vessels, tendons etc)
  • Describe local anaesthetic techniques
  • Describe the principles of diathermy and safe electrosurgery practice
  • Demonstrate effective patient-centred communication
  • List steps to effective clinical handover skills
  • Demonstrate integration of surgical skills in different simulation models – that is, from incision, tissue handling, instrument, suture and needle selection, and suturing/tying skills

Generic skills

  • Initiative, autonomy, organization
  • Problem-solving
  • Oral communication
  • Finding, evaluating and using relevant information
  • Written communication
  • Working with others and in teams

Last updated: 3 November 2022