Reviewer: Linda K. Connelly, PhD, DNP, MSH, CNS, ARNP, CNOR, COL (retired) (University of Houston)
Description: This is a comprehensive eighth edition text covering pre-, intra- and post-operative care delivered by the surgical technologist. Each chapter starts with learning objectives and terminology. The table of contents, index, glossary, headings, bold words, sidebars, pictures and captions, and labeled diagrams provide organized units of work for easy comprehension. The online resources provide videos and chapter review questions with case studies and mock certification comprehensive exams. The seventh edition was published in 2018.
Purpose: The book's purpose is to provide a comprehensive guide to pre-, intra-, and post-surgery surgical skills, including specialty operating room procedures. In addition, the book covers content in the AST Core Curriculum. The objectives are worthy - to have the majority of the knowledge needed to become a surgical technologist or to keep current with the surgical technologist profession. The online resources are valuable for the review questions, case studies, videos, and trial certification exams. The book and online resources meet the objectives. One addition that would enhance the objectives is a more inclusive collection of videos, such as videos of scrubbing, gowning, and gloving. The pictures in the book are helpful, but video would bring them to life.
Audience: The book is written primarily for surgical technologists, new and experienced. In my opinion, it could be helpful to operating room nurses and physician assistants and nurse practitioners in any scrub role. I would venture to say the book would be an excellent resource for any healthcare provider participating in surgery. The book meets the needs of the surgical technologist in an expanded role so they can be a fully prepared member of the surgical team. The authors are certified in the role of surgical technology. Many of the co-authors/reviewers are experts and educators/trainers in their field. General curriculum experts and experts in surgical technologist curriculum were part of the team. Photos were provided by manufacturing partners for their expert advice on the surgical products.
Features: The eighth edition has added robotic surgery, which is a fairly new role for surgical technologists. The book is written in a style that helps the surgical technologist to build confidence, starting with the basics and building on the principles. The consistent format of the chapters make it easy for learners to follow. The engaging learning techniques include review questions and case studies at the end of each chapter. The key concepts are covered in a bulleted format at the end of each chapter discussion to summarize and review chapter content. Listing of in-text and additional citations of scientific research and best practices are provided, along with common pathological summaries by body system. The website videos need to be more extensive.
Assessment: The quality of this book is good and would be beneficial in a surgical technology program. If a surgical technology program uses this review text with the workbook, students will have most of what they need, though I would supplement with a few additional videos and an instrument book. Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist: A Positive Care Approach, 5th Edition, Association of Surgical Technologists (Cengage Learning, 2017) is another popular title. Although I do not feel it is as thorough as the book under review, it is a more affordable choice. This review text is needed as the world of surgery is constantly changing in approaches to surgery. Yes, sterile technique remains the same, but procedures are changing constantly such as the use of robots and other technology in surgery.
