Implementation of research, education, and leadership placements into Operating Department Practitioner training: A 4-pillar practice-based learning approach

Practice-based learning (PBL) has traditionally focused on clinical practice in pre-registration courses. However, recent national strategies emphasise the importance of incorporation of all four pillars, clinical, education, leadership, and research, into PBL (placements). This article details the introduction of PBL in research, education, and leadership alongside clinical placements for BSc Operating Department Practice (ODP) students at XXXXXX. It provides insights into the benefits of this approach, outlines the components of each placement with examples of completed projects, shares feedback from students and practice partners, and addresses challenges. The authors advocate for adoption of this approach across all preregistration ODP courses, to ensure a workforce capable of meeting evolving healthcare needs and driving the ODP profession forwards.