Abstract
This project focuses on addressing the critical issue of surgical smoke exposure in operating rooms through the strategic implementation of smoke evacuation systems. The primary objective is twofold: to prioritize the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals and to ensure that patient care remains uncompromised. It strives to reshape the operating room environment, making surgical plume exposure a thing of the past.
Extensive research forms the core of this project. A comprehensive literature synthesis, including systematic reviews, randomized control trials, prospective and cohort studies, and qualitative research, underscores the occupational safety concerns related to surgical plume exposure. This synthesis strongly advocates for comprehensive education and awareness initiatives aimed at all operating room personnel, from surgeons and anesthesiologists to perioperative nurses and surgical technicians.
To facilitate the transformation of operating rooms into smoke-free environments, the project outlines a systematic implementation plan that actively engages key stakeholders. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, perioperative nurses, and surgical technicians play pivotal roles in advocating for and facilitating the adoption of smoke evacuation systems. Through this collaborative approach, the project aims to ensure that every member of the surgical team is committed to the integration of smoke evacuation systems.
The project's findings undeniably support the implementation of surgical smoke evacuation systems. The financial benefits substantially outweigh the costs, with clear advantages including enhanced well-being for healthcare professionals, improved patient safety, and clearer surgical fields. The recommendations include widespread implementation of smoke evacuation systems, education and awareness initiatives for all personnel, continued stakeholder involvement, and rigorous monitoring to ensure the sustained reduction of surgical plume exposure. In conclusion, this project underscores the compelling case for adopting smoke evacuation systems as a standard in the operating room, thereby enhancing patient care and creating a safer working environment for healthcare professionals.
Date of publication
Fall 12-4-2023
Document Type
MSN Capstone Project
Language
english
Persistent identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/4514
Degree
Masters in Nursing Education
Recommended Citation
Olano, Kaitlynn, "Benchmark: Reducing Surgical Plume Output with Smoke Evacuation" (2023). MSN Capstone Projects. Paper 288.
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/4514