AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: ERAS Resource Center

Evidence-Based Protocols for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

You're on your way to implementing a facility-wide initiative to become a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)! This recognition program supports facilities in optimizing perioperative care through evidence-based ERAS protocols that improve patient outcomes, reduce complications, and shorten recovery times.

Award Criteria

To earn the Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: ERAS designation, facilities must meet all three of the following requirements:

  1. Education Completion
    • At least 90% of enrolled staff must achieve a posttest score of 80% or higher.
    • Education progress is tracked automatically through the LMS—no need to submit learner reports.
  2. Provider Waivers (if applicable)
    • Surgeons and anesthesia providers may opt out of the education course by signing the Enhanced Recovery Program Waiver.
  3. Compliance Audit Tool Submission
    • By Week 12 of auditing, your team must submit the Compliance Audit Tool demonstrating 90–100% compliance with ERAS protocols.
    • The audit form auto-populates as data is entered, making it easy to track weekly progress and ensure you're on pace to meet compliance goals.

Please submit signed waivers along with your audit tool using the Award Submission Form below.

Award Submission

To be considered for the AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation & Go Clear Award designation, please submit:

  • Compliance Audit Tool – completed tool with final results
  • Education Report – Enrolled Learners Report
  • Attestations – any signed Surgeon/Anesthesia Provider attestations

Access the Award Submission Form


Award Recognition

Facilities that meet the designation criteria will receive:

  • A custom award plaque
  • A digital award kit including:
    • Social media graphics
    • An e-signature award icon
    • A customizable press release template
  • Recognition on the AORN website
  • Formal recognition at the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo
  • A three-year designation as an AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: ERAS

Business Case

Support your initiative to implement an ERAS program by presenting a strong case to leadership, executives, and directors. This resource is designed to help you communicate the clinical and operational value of ERAS implementation.


Marketing Tools

Promote your facility’s commitment to ERAS excellence.


Evidence Table – ERAS Guidelines

Access the evidence supporting AORN’s Guidelines on the Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS).


Program Manual

The program manual provides step-by-step guidance to help your facility implement a standardized, evidence-based Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program. It outlines the full recognition pathway, including award criteria, timelines, team roles, and implementation strategies. Use this manual as your roadmap to improve patient outcomes, reducing complications, and earning recognition as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: ERAS. 


Gap Analysis Tool

Evaluate your current ERAS practices and identify areas for improvement, including any product or device needs.


Policy & Procedure Template

Use our template to provide guidance to perioperative personnel for implementing ERAS.  You may utilize the template provided or develop your own based on the needs of your facility.


Patient Booklet

Share this booklet with your patients to help them understand the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols—what to expect before, during, and after surgery.


Interprofessional Education

Once registered, you and your team will be able to access the full suite of education components, including pretests, content, and posttests. This is required for award consideration. 


Compliance Audit Monitoring Tool 

Track ERAS protocol adherence with your patients across every phase of care using our audit tool. Follow the instructions on the first sheet.

Celebrate Your Achievement

Help us showcase your success!

We invite you to share photos and testimonials from your team to be featured in AORN’s award announcements, website, and promotional materials. Your stories help inspire others and highlight the impact of excellence in perioperative care.


Recertification

The Center of Excellence Award is valid for three years. To maintain the designation, facilities must complete the program’s digital recertification attestation every three years, based on the original award date and each subsequent recertification interval. Reminder emails are automatically sent to the designated Program Coordinator prior to each recertification deadline.


AORN Support & Feedback

For questions about the AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: ERAS program, please contact AORN at COE Support - Center of Excellence - Jira Service Management.

Connect with Sponsors for Support

If you're working to secure leadership buy-in, build a compelling business case, or identify gaps in your current processes, get started with our comprehensive gap analysis tool. You'll automatically be connected with our trusted sponsors who can offer tailored support and resources to help you succeed.

AORN does not endorse or support any manufacturer’s product.

Additional Educational Resources:


*Sources

1. AORN Guideline for Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

This evidence-based program is made possible by our sponsors through the AORN Foundation.

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