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Chapter 26 - Fundamentals of the Surgical Scrub Role

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 August 2022

Daniel Rodger
Affiliation:
Senior Lecturer in Perioperative Practice, London South Bank University
Kevin Henshaw
Affiliation:
Associate Head of Allied Health Professions, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk
Paul Rawling
Affiliation:
Senior Lecturer in Perioperative Practice, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk
Scott Miller
Affiliation:
Consultant Anaesthetist, St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust
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Summary

This chapter identifies and explains the fundamental role and responsibilities of the perioperative practitioner essential to the surgical scrub role; this includes surgical counts, sharps safety, specimen managements, and waste disposal. The scrub practitioner is a recognised member of the perioperative team, performing a crucial role in preparing the operating theatre environment for surgical procedures. They must ensure it is clean, ready, and safe to receive the surgical patient. The scrub practitioner should possess the requisite technical and non-technical skills, and theoretical underpinning knowledge of anatomy and physiology to optimally perform their role.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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