Research

AORN believes that research should be the foundation for perioperative nursing practice and that evidence-based practice is fundamental to quality patient care. AORN's commitment to excellence and promoting evidence-based standards of practice are summarized in AORN's research priorities, developed by the Perioperative Research and Evidence-Based Practice Committee.

Standard VII in AORN's Standards of Professional Practice: "The perioperative nurse uses research finding in evidence-based practice," outlines this philosophy. The standard proposes that all perioperative nurses should partake in research activities and that daily practice decisions should be based on the best available scientific evidence.

Incorporating research findings into perioperative nursing practice is a critical component of the continuing effort to improve patient outcomes.

Among AORN's priorities, is an effort to make research data and evidence-based information available to perioperative nursing management and staff. As a result, AORN undertakes the following efforts:

• Funding research projects over the years and actively seeking to continue supporting research that impacts the perioperative setting.
• Offering research grants; visit the AORN Research Grant Program or for Student Research Grants visit the APIC Research Foundation to apply.
• Displaying evidence-based research posters / abstracts at the annual Congress.
• The nursing research links page covers a variety of key interests, including nursing research resources, grant funding, and evidence-based practice.

AORN Foundation Funds New Research Project

The AORN Foundation is pleased to announce the funding of a collaborative research project between AORN and Dr. AkkeNeel Talsma from the University of Michigan School of Nursing.  Based on a grant award through Medline Industries, Inc., the objective of this innovative research project will be to further the understanding of the impact of OR nursing activities and clinic system factors on adverse events in the OR and surgical patient outcomes.  Findings from this research project, An Evaluation of Perioperative Processes of Care and Patient Outcomes, hold the potential to have a national effect on the safety of surgical patients.