Jeopardy-Style Learning
One way to increase participation during a staff in-service or small group meeting is to incorporate gaming as a method of educational delivery.
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By: Zach Swartz, MHI, RN, CNOR, RYT-200
Published: 8/30/2024
When it comes to patient safety in the operating room, one of the most critical concerns is the prevention of retained surgical items (RSIs). These are objects left inside a patient’s body after surgery, such as sponges, instruments, or other materials. RSIs can lead to severe complications, including infections, pain, and even additional surgeries. In the worst cases, they can be life-threatening.
Retained Surgical Items (RSIs) refer to any unintended foreign object or portion of an object left inside a patient’s body after surgery. The most common RSIs are surgical sponges, but instruments, needles, and other small items can also be left behind. Despite advancements in surgical practices and the implementation of safety protocols, RSIs remain a preventable medical error that continues to occur during invasive procedures.
RSIs are classified as Never Events—serious, largely preventable patient safety incidents that should never occur in a healthcare setting. Their occurrence not only endangers patients but also exposes healthcare facilities to legal liabilities, financial penalties, and damage to their reputation.
The presence of an RSI can lead to devastating consequences for patients and healthcare teams. Patients may suffer from a range of complications, including:
For the surgical team, not only can RSIs result in lawsuits, loss of trust, and increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies, but they also take an emotional toll on the care team. Thus, meticulous prevention of RSIs is paramount for both patient outcomes and the overall integrity of the healthcare system.
AORN’s comprehensive guidelines provide clear and actionable steps that perioperative teams can take to prevent RSIs. These guidelines cover various aspects of surgical procedures, including best practices for counting, technology integration, and effective team communication.
AORN’s guidelines offer valuable tools and insights that support perioperative nurses in implementing best practices for preventing retained surgical items and ensuring high-quality care in the operating room. By adhering to standardized counting procedures, fostering strong team communication, and incorporating technology, surgical teams can minimize the risk of RSIs for optimal patient outcomes. As we continue to advance in surgical practices, AORN continually assesses the growing body of research to guide perioperative nurses toward safer, more efficient, patient-centered care. In addition to the AORN Guidelines, the AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Prevention of RSI is a comprehensive program designed to help healthcare facilities prevent Retained Surgical Items (RSIs). It offers a team-based approach to education, training, and quality improvement initiatives
AORN Guidelines Workshops are in-person, interactive educational events designed to provide perioperative team members with a deep understanding of the latest AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice.
These workshops offer:
By attending an AORN Guidelines Workshop, participants can enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence in delivering optimal patient care.
Location | Date | Registration Info |
Los Angeles, CA | Sept. 14, 2024 | |
Denver, CO | Sept. 28, 2024 | |
Boston, MA | Oct. 5, 2024 | |
Chicago, IL | Oct. 19, 2024 | |
Houston, TX | Nov. 2, 2024 | |
Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Nov. 9, 2024 |
One way to increase participation during a staff in-service or small group meeting is to incorporate gaming as a method of educational delivery.
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