title: Clearing the Air About Surgical Smoke: An Education Program.
abstract: Evidence of the harmful effects of surgical smoke has been recognized in the literature and by professional organizations for many years, yet surgical smoke continues to pose a safety hazard for patients and perioperative personnel. A team of perioperative nurses and educators sought to improve compliance with policies and procedures for surgical smoke management in the OR. The team quantified smoke-evacuator use, assessed staff members' knowledge using a pre-education survey, and presented a three-part multimodal education program. The team conducted a posteducation survey that showed significant improvement in staff members' knowledge. Ninety-day postimplementation quantitative data showed a 14.6% increase in surgical smoke-evacuation use. This educational initiative increased staff members' awareness about reducing the presence of surgical smoke in the OR and helped ensure a safer environment for patients, staff members, and the surgical team.
authors.forename: Sherry
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chavis
authors.forename: Vicki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: Mercelita I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Bowerman
authors.forename: Mary Shirley
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Jamias
mesh_terms: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012906:Smoke / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D012906:Smoke
keywords: education; perioperative safety; staff training; surgical plume; surgical smoke management