A roadmap to eliminating surgical smoke: How Littleton Adventist Hospital went 100% smoke-free
Thursday, February 25th, 2021 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CT
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of workplace safety in healthcare, and the operating room is no exception. Surgical tools that cauterize or vaporize tissue can create smoke that may contain toxic chemicals OR masks don't filter out. On average, daily exposure to surgical smoke in an electrocautery OR is equivalent to the OR team smoking 27-30 unfiltered cigarettes.
Due to these risks, numerous states are working to implement legislation that requires hospitals and freestanding ASCs to use a smoke evacuation system for relevant surgical procedures.
Melony Prince, MSN, RN, clinical educator for surgical services at Littleton (Colo.) Adventist Hospital, has played a key role in assisting not only her hospital, but the entire state of Colorado, to go smoke-free. During this live presentation, Ms. Prince will share a roadmap to help guide other healthcare organizations through this process, whether they are just starting their journey or well on their way.