MEDI 7017 Gynaecological Surgery Ergonomics

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 401059

Coordinator Harry Merkur Opens in new window

Description This is an alternate subject in the Graduate Diploma in Advanced Gynaecological Surgery and Year 1 of the Master of Surgery (Advanced Gynaecological Surgery) course. This subject provides students with the knowledge on surgical ergonomics in both open and minimally invasive gynaecological surgery. This subject will extend their knowledge in theoretical and practical aspects, focusing on strategies to maximise ergonomics and its effects on situational awareness, communication and leadership during gynaecological surgery. Students will explore factors associated with gynaecological surgery ergonomics, such as surgeon and surgical assistant positions, theatre setup, incision sites, port placement and surgical techniques to maximise surgical ergonomics in order to reduce surgeon fatigue, injury and improve patient safety and outcomes. It is expected the student will be able to perform operations safely, with economy of movement to optimise surgeon comfort and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

School Medicine

Discipline Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 3 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 4766 Graduate Diploma of Advanced Gynaecological Surgery or 4770 Master of Surgery (Advanced Gynaecological Surgery) or 4690 Master of Surgery in Advanced Gynaecological Surgery

Assumed Knowledge

All students are expected to have a knowledge base commensurate with a level of a Trainee or Specialist in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (RANZCOG or other accredited college) with satisfactory completion of RANZCOG written examination as per enrolment restrictions.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Examine the factors that influence surgical ergonomics with various approaches to gynaecological surgery
  2. Develop effective techniques in gynaecological surgery to optimise surgical ergonomics leading to safe work practices
  3. Critically analyse the benefits of improving surgical ergonomics from a patient, surgeon and surgical team perspective
  4. Examine strategies to improve theatre communication, situational awareness and leadership in an operative setting
  5. Reflect on specific aspects of surgical ergonomics in gynaecological surgery to enhance professional practice

Subject Content

1. Factors that influence ergonomics within different approaches to gynaecological surgery including surgeon and surgical assistant positions, theatre setup, incision sites, port placement and surgical techniques
2. he benefits of improving surgical ergonomics for both the surgeon and patient
3. Strategies to improve theatre communication, situational awareness and leadership in an operative setting
4. Current practices to ensure safe work practices to protect both patients and staff

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Report Total 5,000 words: 1a. Literature Review 4,000 words (SLOs 1, 3, 4); 1b. Reflection ~1,000 words (SLOs 2, 5) 100 N Individual

Teaching Periods

2nd Half (2023)

Campbelltown

Online

Subject Contact Harry Merkur Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

1st Half (2024)

Campbelltown

Online

Subject Contact Harry Merkur Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

2nd Half (2024)

Campbelltown

Online

Subject Contact Harry Merkur Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window