Resources, Connections, & Awards

World Health Organization (WHO)

This WHO resource provides a comprehensive checklist designed to improve safety and consistency across all surgical procedures. By incorporating the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, OR teams can enhance communication, reduce errors, and ensure patient safety at every stage of surgery. This checklist is a crucial tool for perioperative leaders seeking to maintain high standards of surgical care and minimize risks in the operating room. (Access the checklist here)

Institute for Healthcare Improvement

This IHI white paper outlines seven essential leverage points to drive system-level improvements in healthcare. It includes practical examples, a self-assessment tool, and insights for leaders focused on achieving transformational change in performance and patient outcomes. (Access the white paper here)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

This CDC toolkit provides comprehensive resources for reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) and enhancing infection control practices in the OR. Covering protocols, guidelines, and best practices, it equips perioperative leaders with the tools needed to ensure a sterile environment and protect patients from infections. Essential for Directors of Surgical Services focused on improving patient outcomes and maintaining high standards of safety in surgical settings. (Access the guideline here)

Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)

This AORN resource provides a framework to define the roles and responsibilities of Registered Nurses in the perioperative setting. The 2021 edition of the Scope and Standards of Practice outlines Standards of Practice and Professional Performance, built on foundational ANA documents, including the Code of Ethics for Nurses. These standards support quality monitoring, regulatory compliance, service delivery, certification, performance appraisals, and ongoing education, ensuring high standards in perioperative nursing. (Access the resource here)

American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN)

ASPAN offers comprehensive guidelines to assist surgical services directors in managing staffing effectively, optimizing shift schedules, and enhancing operational efficiency, even amid staffing shortages. These resources provide evidence-based recommendations tailored to the unique demands of perioperative care, ensuring patient safety and quality outcomes. (Access ASPAN's Staffing Guidelines here)

AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses)

This AORN resource offers evidence-based strategies for recruiting and retaining perioperative staff, addressing key challenges such as high turnover, staffing shortages, and burnout. It includes creative staffing models, on-boarding programs, and community engagement ideas like surgery open houses to attract talent. Essential for OR educators and managers seeking to build resilient, cohesive teams in surgical services. [Access the resource here]

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

This guide offers a comprehensive framework for hospitals and surgical teams looking to establish new robotic surgical services. It covers critical areas such as governance, team training, safety protocols, and ongoing maintenance to ensure patient safety and operational efficiency. Essential for surgical leaders, it provides step-by-step guidelines for implementing and sustaining a successful robotic surgery program. [Access the guide here]

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Enhance OR workflow, patient safety, and team communication with AHRQ's essential toolkit for surgical excellence. [Access the toolkit here]