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Surgical Patient Positioning & Safety 

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CONTENT TYPE

VR, ILV, 3D, Interactive Modules

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DURATION

3.5 Hours

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TARGET AUDIENCE

Surgical Technology Students / Allied Health Learners

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COURSE DELIVERY

VR or WEB Based

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Credits : 0.4

Icons representing a four-step workflow: Learn, Assess, Evaluate, and Implement

About the Course:

This Surgical Patient Positioning & Safety microcredential introduces Surgical Technology learners to common patient positions used in the operating room and their importance in supporting surgical access, patient safety, and procedural efficiency. Learners will explore how appropriate positioning helps provide access to specific anatomical areas while supporting patient alignment, stability, and comfort during surgical procedures. 

Through immersive VR simulations, learners will explore six common patient positions: sitting, supine, prone, lithotomy, lateral, and Trendelenburg. They will examine how each position is arranged on the operating table, identify the body orientation and limb placement associated with each position, and understand its common applications in surgical procedures and examinations. The course emphasizes patient positioning awareness, anatomical access, proper body alignment, positioning support, and the importance of safe positioning practices in the perioperative environment. 

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the importance of proper patient positioning in surgical procedures. 
  • Identify common patient positions used in the operating room. 
  • Recognize the supine position and its common surgical applications. 
  • Explain the prone position and its use for procedures involving the back and spine. 
  • Identify the lithotomy position and understand its applications in pelvic procedures. 
  • Understand how patient positioning supports surgical access and procedural workflow. 
  • Recognize the importance of patient stability, comfort, and safety during positioning. 

This Surgical Patient Positioning & Safety training is delivered through our LMS and is available as both web-based and immersive VR training.

Surgical instrument identification, selection, and inspection training for surgical technologists

 

Surgical Patient Positioning & Safety Training for Surgical Technologists

Surgical technologist practicing instrument identification, selection, and inspection

At ImmerseLearn, we prepare Surgical Technology learners with foundational knowledge of patient positioning and its role in perioperative care. This microcredential strengthens patient position recognition, operating table orientation, anatomical access awareness, body alignment, positioning support, and understanding of surgical positioning practices through immersive VR-based learning. 

Sitting and Supine Positions−
Explore the sitting and supine positions on the operating table. Learners will understand how the sitting position places the patient upright to provide access to the head, neck, chest, and upper body. They will also examine the supine position, in which the patient lies flat on their back with the arms positioned safely at the sides or on arm supports. The module introduces common applications of both positions in surgical procedures and examinations.
Prone Position+
Learn how the prone position places the patient face down on the operating table, with the head supported and positioned appropriately. Learners will understand how this position provides surgical access to the back and spine and explore its use in selected surgical procedures. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the patient's orientation and the importance of appropriate support.
Lithotomy Position+
Explore the lithotomy position, in which the patient lies on their back with the hips and knees flexed and the legs supported in stirrups. Learners will understand how this position provides access to the pelvic region and recognize its common applications in gynecological, obstetric, and urological procedures.
Lateral Position+
Practice identifying the lateral position, in which the patient lies on their side on the operating table. Learners will examine the positioning of the upper and lower legs and the importance of supporting the arms to maintain appropriate alignment and patient comfort. The module introduces common applications of this position in selected surgical procedures and examinations.
Trendelenburg Position+
Explore the Trendelenburg position, in which the patient lies on their back with the head lower than the feet. Learners will recognize the characteristic downward tilt of the operating table and understand how this position may be used during selected surgical procedures to improve access to the lower abdomen and pelvic region.

By completing this microcredential, learners will develop foundational knowledge of common patient positions used in surgical environments. Learners will be able to identify and describe the sitting, supine, prone, lithotomy, lateral, and Trendelenburg positions, explain their common applications, and recognize the importance of appropriate body alignment and positioning support. These skills provide a foundation for understanding patient safety, anatomical access, and efficient surgical workflow in the operating room. 

Apply instrument identification, selection, and inspection techniques before
procedure setup. Understand workflow principles that prevent instrument mix-ups, defects, and
readiness assessment errors.