Aorn JournalPub Date : 2026-08-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70121
Fabio Ferraiuolo, Claudio Buttarelli
{"title":"Core Curriculum for Italian OR Scrub Nurses: An eDelphi Study.","authors":"Fabio Ferraiuolo, Claudio Buttarelli","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70121","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70121","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In Italy, no nationally standardized curriculum currently exists for scrub nurses (SNs), leading to variability in training, role expectations, and competency assessment across institutions. We aimed to identify the core competencies required for Italian SNs and to define indicative timeframes for their achievement in clinical practice. We conducted a multiphase eDelphi study from April to September 2023 with 35 expert perioperative nurses. Using the European Operating Room Nurses Association Core Curriculum as the starting framework, panelists reviewed 113 competencies and proposed two additional items relevant to Italian OR nursing practice. Overall, 79 competencies were retained. Consensus on timeframes for competency achievement was reached through two rounds of surveys and a final expert discussion. Internal reliability was high, with Cronbach alphas of 0.979 (round 2) and 0.956 (round 3). The resulting framework may support competency-based education, role transition, and greater consistency in SN training across Italian health care institutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"124 2","pages":"98-107"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13408910/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148609901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aorn JournalPub Date : 2026-08-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70123
Brian Shea, Matthew Avilla, Rebecca T Alvino
{"title":"Addressing Challenges Associated With Loaner Instrument Sets.","authors":"Brian Shea, Matthew Avilla, Rebecca T Alvino","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70123","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70123","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The increasing dependence on loaner instrument sets for surgical procedures can create significant challenges for the sterile processing department (SPD), and can also lead to surgical delays or possible patient harm. This article examines common challenges associated with loaner sets, including inconsistent arrival timing; incomplete manufacturer's instructions for use; complex and unfamiliar instruments; inventory and scheduling conflicts; communication gaps between sterile processing, OR personnel, and vendors; and difficulties with loaner set return after procedures. These issues strain SPD workflows and increase the risk of errors in instrument assembly and sterilization. Key recommendations for addressing these challenges include implementing clear policies for set arrival and processing timelines, adopting digital inventory management systems, enhancing personnel education, and establishing standardized communication protocols. Multidisciplinary collaboration among SPD personnel, perioperative teams, and vendors is essential to ensure safe and efficient handling of loaner sets.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"124 2","pages":"81-88"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13408902/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148609889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Brief Limb-Focused Prewarming in Adults Undergoing General Anesthesia: A Randomized Trial.","authors":"Kentaro Hara, Shohei Kaneko, Reika Tachibana, Ryosuke Kumashiro, Michiko Yamaguchi, Takahiro Inoue, Terumitsu Sawai","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70102","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Inadvertent hypothermia caused by redistribution of core heat after anesthesia induction is a common perioperative complication. This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether brief (five-minute) limb-focused warming added to whole-body prewarming improves efficiency and attenuates redistribution hypothermia during general anesthesia. Eighty-two adults undergoing laparoscopic lower gastrointestinal surgery were randomly assigned to a prewarming group (n = 41) or control group (n = 41). The intervention combined standard whole-body prewarming with targeted warming of both forearms and lower legs for five minutes before anesthesia induction. Core temperature, peripheral temperature, and perfusion index were recorded at baseline and peri-induction intervals. At 30 minutes after induction, the prewarming group had a higher median core temperature (36.8 °C versus 36.5 °C [98.2 °F versus 97.7 °F]; P = .046) and a smaller decline from baseline (P < .001), as well as higher peripheral temperature. This brief nurse-led approach provides efficient thermal protection without delaying anesthesia induction.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"124 1","pages":"14-28"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148341108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aorn JournalPub Date : 2026-06-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70088
Myoung Soo Kim, Jeong Eun Lee
{"title":"The Role of Interpersonal Communication Competence in Enhancing Intraoperative Hand-Off Quality.","authors":"Myoung Soo Kim, Jeong Eun Lee","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70088","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70088","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intraoperative hand offs are prone to communication breakdowns that can diminish nurses' self-efficacy and satisfaction, thus compromising patient safety. In this study, a descriptive cross-sectional design was used to examine the relationships between hand-off self-efficacy, satisfaction, and communication competence among OR nurses. Eighty nurses at a South Korean tertiary hospital completed a validated questionnaire for self-efficacy, sending and receiving hand-off satisfaction, and 10 subdomains of communication competence. Canonical correlation analysis identified two significant variates. Higher self-efficacy and both sending and receiving satisfaction were strongly associated with interaction management, social appropriateness, efficiency, and expressiveness. Receiving hand-off satisfaction was also linked to immediacy. These findings indicate that specific communication skills are key to building confidence and satisfaction with intraoperative hand offs. Incorporating these competencies into continuing-education curricula may enhance hand-off quality and contribute to improved surgical patient safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"123 6","pages":"454-466"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148037679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Setting the Stage for Surgical Success: Enhancing the Perioperative Orientation Program.","authors":"Alisa Jaganjac, Kattia Taveras, Melissa Moiso, Eleni Manaloto, Chantelle Livingstone","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70087","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Perioperative nursing presents unique challenges for novice nurses due to the highly technical environment, limited prelicensure exposure, and complex OR workflows. In response, AORN recommends structured, specialty-specific orientation programs to support knowledge acquisition, skill development, and professional socialization. Variability in onboarding experiences and extended orientation timelines have prompted enhancements to the existing perioperative orientation pathway. The revised program incorporated defined pathways, hands-on skills training, enhanced preceptor support, structured communication, and intentional socialization. Program effectiveness was evaluated using quantitative measures, including orientation length and retention, and qualitative feedback from orientees and preceptors collected through surveys and routine check-ins, including monthly \"Preceptor Bubble\" meetings. Outcomes demonstrated improved retention, reduced orientation duration, enhanced staff engagement, and improved safety practices. These findings support investing in structured perioperative orientation programs to strengthen workforce stability, support safe clinical practice, and facilitate nurses' transition into perioperative roles.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"123 6","pages":"441-453"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148037608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aorn JournalPub Date : 2026-06-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70095
Jonny Marr
{"title":"Guidelines in Practice: Safe Use of Surgical Energy Devices.","authors":"Jonny Marr","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70095","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70095","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The recently updated AORN \"Guideline for the safe use of surgical energy devices\" provides perioperative nurses with background information on surgical energy devices and ways to prevent patient and staff member injury during use. This article provides an overview of the guideline and discusses recommendations for assessment, planning, and injury prevention; surgical energy device generators; accessories; return electrodes; implanted electronic devices; and education. It also includes a clinical scenario that describes how perioperative nurses apply these recommendations in practice to prevent thermal injury and ensure the safe management of implanted electronic devices. Perioperative nurses should review the guideline in its entirety and apply the recommendations when using surgical energy devices.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"123 6","pages":"469-476"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148037602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aorn JournalPub Date : 2026-05-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70076
Jonny Marr
{"title":"Guidelines in Practice: Care and Cleaning of Surgical Instruments.","authors":"Jonny Marr","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70076","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The recently updated AORN \"Guideline for care and cleaning of surgical instruments\" provides perioperative nurses with evidence-based guidance on instrument cleaning and ways to prevent surgical site infections. This article provides an overview of the guideline and discusses recommendations for prepurchase evaluation, processing before use, loaned items, water quality, personal protective equipment, point-of-use treatment, transport to the decontamination area, manual cleaning, and cleaning verification and inspection. A scenario illustrates the application of these practices when using a loaned instrument set. Perioperative nurses should review the guideline in its entirety and apply the recommendations to support infection prevention; protect patients and personnel; and ensure safe, evidence-based practice when caring for and cleaning surgical instruments.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"123 5","pages":"381-388"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aorn JournalPub Date : 2026-05-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70075
Rachel Zocratto da Silveira Cardoso, Humberto Dellê, Rachel de Carvalho
{"title":"3D-Printed Surgical Guides: Manual Cleaning and Comparison of Two Drying Processes.","authors":"Rachel Zocratto da Silveira Cardoso, Humberto Dellê, Rachel de Carvalho","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70075","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Surgical molds and guides used during intraoperative procedures require a rigorous cleaning process to ensure patient safety; however, this step is rarely discussed in the literature, emphasizing the need for standardization. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the cleaning process and the structural conformity of three-dimensional (3D)-printed surgical molds and guides using protein testing. This was a quasi-experimental study conducted in a hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, in which 10 3D-printed models underwent manual cleaning, with efficacy verified through protein testing, followed by manual and automated drying methods. Structural conformity was then analyzed, resulting in a total of 30 measurements. The results showed no structural modifications in any of the 3D-printed models, and all tests confirmed effective cleaning. Both the cleaning and drying processes applied proved to be effective for all surgical molds and guides evaluated.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"123 5","pages":"371-379"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789365","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}