Role of the perioperative nursing surgical assistants in Australia: Case for robotic surgery

21^st World Nursing Education Conference

July 16-18, 2018 Melbourne, Australia

Alessandra Doolan

HTAG � The Health and Technology Advisory Group, Sydney Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia. Leonie Ballantyne, The University of Sydney, Australia

Keynote: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Perioperative nurse surgical assistants (PNSA) in Australia provide high-quality, professional, surgical assist care for surgeons, and to patients requiring surgical procedures that need PNSAs help and care. Traditionally in Australia, medical practitioners have performed the surgical assistant role. Today, the PNSA role is well established and involved in a range of surgical disciplines in areas of practice, role and responsibilities in pre-surgery, intra operative and post-operative. The PNSA role needs to satisfy credentialing requirements of the hospital and fulfill qualifications such as professional registration in maintaining the standards and skills. With recent Australian hospital statistics showing surgical procedures continue to rise, PNSAs play an important role in maintaining the quality of surgical care in Australia. It is crucial for evidence development to highlight on the sustainable use of PNSAs in providing potential cost savings to the Australian healthcare system and patient benefits. Presentation Objectives: � Role of PNSA in surgical care in Australia � Australian Standards and credentialing requirements � Current reimbursement pathways in Australia � Research areas and evidence requirements � Case example: Robotic surgery

Biography :

Alessandra Doolan is working as HTAG – The Health and Technology Advisory Group, Sydney Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia.

E-mail: a.doolan@htag.io