Aorn JournalPub Date : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70053
Laura Ward, Candace Matthews
{"title":"Integrating a Dedicated Neuroprotector Role Through Interprofessional Education to Support Extremely Preterm and Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants During Golden Hour.","authors":"Laura Ward, Candace Matthews","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70053","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Extremely preterm and extremely low birth weight infants are vulnerable to brain injury due to physiological immaturity and environmental stressors during the critical first hour after birth, known as the \"Golden Hour.\" A multiphase, interprofessional education and in situ simulation program was designed to introduce a dedicated neuroprotector role to mitigate noxious stimuli and prioritize neuroprotective strategies during resuscitation and stabilization of vulnerable infants. Grounded in adult learning theory, this educational program prepared existing staff members for this role through presimulation education and in situ simulation in perioperative settings. Outcomes after the education program included improved interprofessional team collaboration and prioritized integration of the neuroprotector role. Through education and simulation, implementation of role-specific interventions closed a key care gap and advanced alignment with evidence-based practices, enhancing both immediate and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes for extremely preterm and extremely low birth weight infants.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"123 4","pages":"315-328"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147516799","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 : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70052
Ayumi S Fielden, Mary K Sanders, Lisa K Morris
{"title":"Enhancing Malignant Hyperthermia Response via Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice: An In Situ Interprofessional Simulation Quality Improvement Project.","authors":"Ayumi S Fielden, Mary K Sanders, Lisa K Morris","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70052","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening anesthetic emergency that requires rapid recognition and intervention to prevent severe complications. Delays in treatment can result in poor patient outcomes, making MH preparedness crucial in perioperative care. The aim of this quality improvement project was to enhance perioperative team preparedness for MH crises through in situ simulation using rapid cycle deliberate practice. The project was implemented over five days in a 14-room operating suite and a 31-bed postanesthesia care unit at an academic medical center in the United States. Interprofessional perioperative staff engaged in high-fidelity simulation drills with real-time feedback. The intervention significantly improved team response times and adherence to MH treatment protocols (P < .001), with notable reductions in time to dantrolene administration (P = .018) and cooling measure initiation (P = .011). Results from this project support integration of structured simulation training to enhance preparedness for rare anesthetic emergencies.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"123 4","pages":"291-303"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147516802","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 : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70054
Laura Ward
{"title":"Learning Through Gamification: Enhancing Interprofessional Training for Postpartum Hemorrhage in the Perioperative Setting Through an Escape Room Drill.","authors":"Laura Ward","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70054","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Postpartum hemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, requiring rapid, team-based intervention, especially in high-stakes perioperative settings. Traditional drills often fail to fully engage learners or replicate the urgency of real emergencies. Gamification strategies, such as escape rooms, offer an engaging and effective way to teach necessary competencies and resuscitation skills. Originally designed for entertainment, escape rooms have emerged as effective educational tools that enhance teamwork, communication, and critical thinking while reinforcing evidence-based protocols. This article describes the design and implementation of an escape room drill focused on postpartum hemorrhage management in the postanesthesia care unit. Grounded in adult learning principles, the activity provided a safe, immersive environment for practicing hemorrhage recognition, blood loss quantification, medication administration, and collaborative decision-making under time pressure. Findings suggest that gamified drills can improve engagement, knowledge retention, and readiness, transforming emergency preparedness and ultimately supporting better maternal outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"123 4","pages":"304-314"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147516775","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 : 2026-03-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70039
Yuhong Sun, Wenxin Zhang, Lei Shuang, Ying Zhang, Jing Wang
{"title":"Exploring the Causes of Suture Needle Loss Through Simulation and Finite Element Analysis.","authors":"Yuhong Sun, Wenxin Zhang, Lei Shuang, Ying Zhang, Jing Wang","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70039","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The intraoperative loss of suture needles can prolong procedures and compromise safety, often occurring when a needle holder is unintentionally dropped and opens. This study explored the mechanism of needle loss through a nationwide survey, controlled drop simulations, and finite element analysis. Among 3649 OR nurses surveyed, 75.4% identified instrument transfer-specifically dropping the needle holder onto the instrument table-as the most common cause of loss. In 1500 simulated drops, unexpected opening occurred in 30.6% of cases, primarily when the holder landed flat or on its ring. Finite element analysis revealed that impact-induced clamp ring deformation displaces locking teeth beyond their biting depth, triggering release. Larger, heavier holders increased both opening risk and needle flight velocity. Design modifications, such as reinforcing the clamp ring and deepening locking teeth, along with cushioned surfaces, may reduce loss events and improve perioperative safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"123 3","pages":"245-255"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147286159","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 : 2026-03-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70041
Elizabeth Kingsbury, Andrew Smith, Ankit Bhargava, Ellen Barth, Patricia Dwyer
{"title":"The Development and Implementation of a Perioperative Quality Dashboard.","authors":"Elizabeth Kingsbury, Andrew Smith, Ankit Bhargava, Ellen Barth, Patricia Dwyer","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70041","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Quality dashboards are increasingly used to monitor care processes and identify areas for improvement. A perioperative nursing team collaborated with leaders, quality advisors, and a data analyst to develop and implement a perioperative quality dashboard guided by the Institute of Medicine framework and Donabedian model. The team selected quality metrics, developed standardized measurement plans, and applied evidence-based visualization principles to ensure clarity and usability. Metrics included safety events, National Performance Goals, surgical site infection rates, and efficiency indicators. The dashboard was disseminated through multimodal strategies, including unit-specific displays and staff meetings, to promote engagement and transparency. All perioperative staff members were encouraged to view the data with a questioning attitude, provide feedback, and identify quality improvement initiatives that ultimately improve patient care and outcomes. By visually presenting data in an accessible format, this tool empowers frontline staff and leadership to track trends, evaluate risks, and drive continuous quality improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"123 3","pages":"221-230"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147286218","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 : 2026-03-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70040
Nuran Ayşen Pamir Aksoy
{"title":"Perioperative Risk Factors and Safety Strategies for Patients With Tattoos and Piercings.","authors":"Nuran Ayşen Pamir Aksoy","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70040","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The increasing prevalence of body modifications, such as tattoos and piercings, may present unique perioperative challenges due to the chemical composition of tattoo inks, the presence of metallic particles, and the anatomical location of piercings. Considerations for this patient population include the risk of infection, unintentional burns from medical devices, and hypersensitivity reactions; airway management; integumentary and vascular access; radiological examinations; patient preferences and cultural differences; and ensuring effective perioperative communication and respect. A patient-centered, culturally sensitive approach that emphasizes comprehensive preoperative assessment, interdisciplinary communication, and respect for patient preferences may help identify potential complications early and guide preventive strategies. Awareness of body modifications during perioperative planning can support individualized care and enhance safety. This clinical review outlines considerations, highlights potential risks, and suggests strategies for perioperative teams to provide effective, culturally competent care while promoting patient safety and optimizing the quality of perioperative nursing practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"123 3","pages":"195-206"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147286195","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 : 2026-03-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70042
Carole Gert Mayes, Christopher H Stucky, M Imelda Wright, Doreen Wagner
{"title":"Identifying Top Research Priorities in Perioperative Nursing: An eDelphi Study of AORN Guideline Gaps.","authors":"Carole Gert Mayes, Christopher H Stucky, M Imelda Wright, Doreen Wagner","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70042","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>AORN published an extensive list of research priorities (2023-2028), spanning 34 guidelines and more than 400 subtopics, posing a challenge for focused research. To address this \"choice overload\" and guide future efforts, we followed Guidance on Conducting and Reporting Delphi Studies reporting guidelines and conducted an eDelphi study with a panel of perioperative nurse experts. Through five iterative rounds, including surveys and a concluding virtual focus group, panelists achieved consensus on the most essential research needs. The study successfully identified the top five AORN guideline research gaps: unintentionally retained surgical items, positioning, sterile technique, safe patient handling, and hypothermia. These priorities, often linked to sentinel events and evolving technology, provide a crucial, focused roadmap for perioperative nursing practice, research, and education. This eDelphi method offers a replicable framework for translating broad research needs into actionable, impactful priorities, ultimately enhancing patient safety and quality of care.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"123 3","pages":"209-220"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147286198","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 : 2026-03-01DOI: 10.1002/aorn.70038
Caroline Pease, Janet A Curran, Rebekah Bercovici, Caitlin van Bilsen, Alannah Delahunty-Pike, Christine Pritchett, Leah Boulos, Tanya Vandale
{"title":"Mapping Interventions to Promote Safety Culture in the OR: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Caroline Pease, Janet A Curran, Rebekah Bercovici, Caitlin van Bilsen, Alannah Delahunty-Pike, Christine Pritchett, Leah Boulos, Tanya Vandale","doi":"10.1002/aorn.70038","DOIUrl":"10.1002/aorn.70038","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The OR is an environment at significant risk for safety incidents. Assessing and implementing effective safety culture interventions and measures in the OR is critical for mitigating these risks. The objective of this review was to map the interventions and measures that have been evaluated to examine safety culture in the OR through a scoping review. In accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies were included that reported interventions and measures targeting a range of health care providers and learners to promote safety culture in the OR. Although the interventions varied, most targeted teamwork, communication, safety attitudes and perceptions, and safety-related incidents. This review highlights the diverse methods available for evaluating safety culture in the OR. Effective safety culture initiatives have the potential to enhance teamwork and communication, leading to fewer safety incidents.</p>","PeriodicalId":54317,"journal":{"name":"Aorn Journal","volume":"123 3","pages":"231-244"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147286133","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}