The objective is to ensure that any Product Specialist visiting the operating department has a comprehensive understanding of operating theatre procedures, practices and safety associated with working in patient care areas.

This award provides a structured programme which teaches and examines the practical, legal and clinical aspects of entering an operating department. The level of validation is Professional and set to demand reflective practice, analysis and application of knowledge in the specialist clinical environment.

Programmes are delivered by an experienced team of theatre managers, nurses, surgeons, anaesthetists, industry professionals and other key specialists.

Successful completion of the programme confirms that industry representatives know how to interact with clinicians, theatre staff and managers in this specialist environment.

The production of National Occupational Standards and codes of practice identify the requirement for those working in industry to be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills by attending a recognisable accredited programme.

Several of the large medical device companies (DePuy, Johnson and Johnson, Keymed, 3M, AMO , Huntleigh Healthcare, Baxter etc) have adopted this occupational standard and ensure their representatives qualify in the BTEC Professional Theatre Access Qualification.

Medical Device company representatives, can now show hospital managers their externally validated evidence of competence to demonstrate, teach, support and promote their products, safely, in areas of clinical care.