Surgical First Assistant (SFA) Extended Scope of Practice

This module enables qualified Surgical First Assistants (SFAs) to extend their professional boundaries through the development and consolidation of advanced surgical skills. It is designed for practitioners required to perform extended clinical tasks in complex intraoperative environments.

Key highlights

Skill mastery: Focuses on the acquisition, refinement, and safe application of extended technical skills.
Integrated learning: Combines theoretical knowledge with clinical practice via guided study and a negotiated learning contract.
Advanced autonomy: Develops the clinical judgment, accountability, and decision-making required for advanced practice.
Professional alignment: Ensures all practice meets rigorous legal, professional, and organisational frameworks.

Learning approach

Teaching is delivered through structured resources and directed study, ensuring that theory meaningfully underpins clinical practice. Learners are supported to integrate new competencies directly into their surgical roles, bridging the gap between established SFA duties and advanced procedural proficiency.

Academic and clinical requirements

Students must successfully complete clinical competencies during placement, alongside academic assessment to underpin their understanding of applied theory. Placements will cover specialties within their base area of practice.

Academic learning is supported through online teaching, on-campus workshops, simulation opportunities, and self-directed study. This approach provides flexibility while enabling students to network as a cohort and engage with university facilities and support services.

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate advanced competence in assisting with surgical procedures within the extended scope of practice of the Surgical First Assistant, integrating evidence-based techniques, clinical reasoning, and adherence to professional, legal, and organisational standards.
Critically evaluate and respond to a range of intraoperative situations by applying systematic decision-making skills to maintain patient safety and optimise surgical efficiency during complex procedures.
Demonstrate effective coordination, leadership, and communication within the multidisciplinary team, applying principles of human factors to enhance the quality and safety of perioperative care.
Analyse and apply concepts of professional accountability, risk management, and reflective practice to support safe, ethical, and high-quality surgical care within perioperative environments.

Assessment

Portfolio

Students will complete a practice-based Competency Skills Logbook.

This component allows students to demonstrate the application of theory to practice and to evidence achievement of the clinical outcomes required to meet professional standards within their area of practice. This requirement reflects the principles of licence-to-practise accreditation and aligns with Perioperative Care Collaborative (2018) standards.

Academic presentation

The presentation is designed to develop evidence-based knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional competencies. Students are required to critically evaluate their clinical practice and present a structured, evidence-supported argument within the prescribed time limit.

Campus

Main campus and online.

Entry Criteria

Have NMC or HCPC registration
Have proof of having undertaken the Surgical First Assistant initial 15 credit module or equivalent
Have line manager’s support
Have an appropriate mentor and access to appropriate senior medical supervision
Have agreed hours allocated to meet requirements for both academic and clinical placement requirements.