This breakthrough new text is the first 'theory' textbook published for ODP students studying at degree level and maps neatly onto the ODP degree curriculum. Written by experts from the Profession the book covers the core theoretical and professional components of the ODP curriculum, including chapters on: O ProfessionalismO Law O EthicsO Reflective practiceO Decision makingO Psychosocial aspects of care O Research and evidence based practice Each chapter includes case studies and pedagogy designed to help ODP students see the relevance of these issues to their everyday practice, and enhance learning and study. This book is key reading for all ODP students and qualified professionals. This book identifies strongly the enhanced development of the operating department practice (ODP) profession. It focuses well on the theory underpinning the need for the compassionate care of the patient. Compassionate care is a fundamental requirement of ODPs now, given the changes in the profession. Many years ago, the main role of the ODP was to give technical support to anaesthetists. This has completely changed and the focus is now on ensuring safe and effective perioperative patient care using enhanced and improved knowledge and skills. It is a fundamental requirement for ODPs to develop these advanced skills and knowledge in order to firmly establish the profession.This book does not focus on clinical skills, it focuses on the role of the ODP in every-day work. This involves elements such as interprofessional working, research, patient safety, psychological aspects of patient care, and legal frameworks. Most ODP text books have not emphasised the importance of these topics - whereas this book does. The value of this book is firstly to emphasise the knowledge and understanding needed by ODPS to care for patients appropriately, and secondly, to emphasise the improvements that the profession has been undergoing over the past few years.Based on the information within this book, students, practitioners, theatre managers and even surgeons and anaesthetists will be able to better understand the modern role of the ODP. Technical skills are obviously still important, but even more important is the safety and compassionate care of patients in the operating environment. This can only be achieved by a combination of knowledge and skills, working in harmony with other professionals.This book will provide a sound basis for the promotion of the ODP profession and the better understanding of all other professionals on the way that ODPs now work.Paul Wicker, Head of Perioperative Studies, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK