Eliminating a controllable hazard such as surgical smoke can improve the

health of perioperative personnel and patients as well as minimize healthcare costs. This initiative demonstrates how perioperative nurses used evidence to

successfully eliminate surgical smoke in the Operating Room. Thus, providing quality health care and safety for both Kaiser Permanente patients and staff.

PURPOSE CONCLUSION

FUTURE PLANS

• Using the extensive evidence table provided by AORN in 2016 and the proposed CA Assembly Bill 402, the perioperative nurses asserted their influence to commit to a smoke-free environment for patients and staff in the OR.

• The practice council used the IOWA model to assess current practice, evaluate literature and promote change.

• To determine an appropriate implementation strategy, the team utilized the AORN 10-step product evaluation process.

• With their persistence, staff facilitated the product evaluation with the surgeons and followed up with feedback to ensure that there were no barriers in selecting a smoke evacuation product for any surgical case.

• Multiple education presentations were provided to the surgical team, leadership, and the organization-wide safety committee.

• The staff successfully secured early surgeon adopters who participated in the advocacy for practice change across the entire service line.

PROCESS

Kaiser Permanente Irvine Operating Room Nurses Advocate for a Smoke-Free Environment

• Continue to work with team, including supply chain colleagues, to ensure a proactive approach to exceeding this practice standard.

• Staff have begun partnering with colleagues in Maternal Child Health, the Emergency Department and outpatient clinics to eliminate surgical plume exposure.

• Collaborate with other areas that utilize electrocautery and laser smoke to promote the safest environment.

• Our next goal is to obtain Go Clear

Award GOLD LEVEL.

Rubyann Santiago, BSN, RN, CNOR, Perioperative Staff NurseQing Zhou, BSN, RN, CNOR, Perioperative Specialty CoordinatorJanet Rossi, RN, CNOR, Perioperative Specialty CoordinatorTanya Newgent, BSN, RN, Perioperative Staff NurseLy Ly Ta, MSN, RN, CNOR, Perioperative Educator

So. California/Irvine Medical Center

• Staff successfully influenced all surgeons to convert to the utilization of a smoke evacuation product for all open cavity surgical cases.

• A trended reduction of last minute sick calls has been realized.

• Staff self-reported a decrease in respiratory symptoms, migraines, and length of illnesses.

• Adjacent departments report the significant elimination of the smell of smoke in the hallways.

RESULTS

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Background

Are you still SMOKING in the OR?