AORN Unveils New Surgical Safety Excellence Program for Nurses

AORN Launches the Center of Excellence for Surgical Safety
In a significant development, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) has introduced the AORN Center of Excellence (COE) in Surgical Safety focused on the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) award program. This initiative is designed as a robust recognition platform for hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers, offering them a clear pathway to enhance evidence-based practices, streamline patient recovery, and foster improved collaboration among healthcare teams.
Importance of the ERAS Program
The cornerstone of this program is the AORN Guideline for Implementation of ERAS, which is part of the broader Guidelines for Perioperative Practice established by the organization. As highlighted by Program Manager Hannah Campbell, research shows that ERAS significantly improves patient outcomes. However, it remains underutilized in many medical settings. Feedback from AORN members and event participants indicated a strong desire to learn more about ERAS and its practical applications throughout various phases of patient care.
AORN saw a growing demand for well-defined guidelines surrounding ERAS practices. The establishment of the Center of Excellence directly responds to this need and provides a patient-centered approach that not only enhances recovery but also reduces complications and potentially shortens the duration of hospital stays.
The Role of Interdisciplinary Collaboration
David Wyatt, CEO of AORN, emphasized that the association’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration is effectively demonstrated through the ERAS initiative. He pointed out that few aspects of perioperative practices exemplify the impact of coordinated interventions as well as ERAS does. The collaboration of diverse team members is crucial in achieving desired patient outcomes, illustrating the importance of teamwork in surgical settings.
Why ERAS Matters
ERAS represents a transformational approach to patient care that is both patient-centered and grounded in evidence. It seeks to enhance surgical outcomes by minimizing the physiological and psychological stresses associated with surgery. Originally designed for colorectal procedures, ERAS protocols have now expanded into various specialties, offering benefits to a wide range of perioperative patients.
The Vital Role of Nurses
As noted by Lisa Spruce, Director of Evidence-Based Perioperative Practice at AORN, perioperative nurses are central to the successful implementation of ERAS protocols. Their responsibilities encompass all stages of surgical care—from preparing patients pre-operatively, ensuring normothermia and fluid balance during surgery, to encouraging early mobilization and effective pain management afterward. Nurses play an essential role in guiding patients throughout every step of the ERAS journey.
A Structured Path to Success with AORN COE
The AORN Center of Excellence in ERAS lays out a structured framework that includes role-specific education, practical toolkits, benchmarking resources, and expert guidance from AORN professionals. This valuable initiative receives support from sponsors, including CONMED, Pacira, and Solventum through the AORN Foundation, enabling the program to deliver significant resources and assistance to participating institutions.
About AORN
Founded in 1949, AORN serves a community of over 200,000 perioperative nurses by providing essential evidence-based research, educational resources, and standards. The organization is committed to fostering optimal surgical outcomes and ensuring safe surgical practices for every patient, every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the AORN Center of Excellence?
The AORN Center of Excellence aims to enhance surgical safety and patient outcomes through the implementation of ERAS protocols in healthcare settings.
Why is ERAS important?
ERAS is crucial because it optimizes patient recovery while minimizing surgery-related stress, leading to improved outcomes and shorter hospital stays.
How do nurses contribute to ERAS?
Nurses play a pivotal role throughout the ERAS process by preparing patients, ensuring proper care during surgery, and facilitating recovery post-surgery.
What resources does AORN provide for implementation?
AORN offers role-specific education, practical toolkits, and expert guidance to help hospitals and surgery centers successfully implement ERAS protocols.
Who supports the AORN COE program?
The program is supported by various sponsors, including CONMED, Pacira, and Solventum, through the AORN Foundation, enhancing the resources available for participants.
About The Author
Contact Hannah Lewis privately here. Or send an email with ATTN: Hannah Lewis as the subject to contact@investorshangout.com.
About Investors Hangout
Investors Hangout is a leading online stock forum for financial discussion and learning, offering a wide range of free tools and resources. It draws in traders of all levels, who exchange market knowledge, investigate trading tactics, and keep an eye on industry developments in real time. Featuring financial articles, stock message boards, quotes, charts, company profiles, and live news updates. Through cooperative learning and a wealth of informational resources, it helps users from novices creating their first portfolios to experts honing their techniques. Join Investors Hangout today: https://investorshangout.com/
The content of this article is based on factual, publicly available information and does not represent legal, financial, or investment advice. Investors Hangout does not offer financial advice, and the author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. This article should not be considered advice to purchase, sell, or hold any securities or other investments. If any of the material provided here is inaccurate, please contact us for corrections.