AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Resource Center

CoE: RSI Prevention Award

Welcome

You're on your way to implementing a facility-wide initiative to become a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: RSI Prevention! This recognition program is for facilities that want to protect patient and worker safety by preventing unintentionally retained surgical items, using immersive technology to improve skills and give your team the peace of mind they deserve.

Program Manual

The AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: RSI Prevention Program Manual will provide you step-by-step instructions on how to start your facility initiative to prevent unintentionally retained surgical items from your operating and procedure rooms and earn the CoE: RSI Prevention award. 


AORN RSI Prevention Award Criteria

  1. Education Completion: a minimum of 90% of staff enrolled must complete the online education component
  2. Post-test Score: a minimum of 90% of staff enrolled must score 80% or higher on the post-test
  3. RSI Prevention Compliance Audit Form: a minimum of 90% compliance must be achieved by week 12 in the audit form
  4. Adjunct Technology: 1 RSI adjunct technology device for every OR / procedure room

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


Recertification - RSI Prevention Award  

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. 


Evidence Table - AORN’s Guidelines for the Prevention of Unintentionally Retained Surgical Items

Download the evidence table which provides detail on the evidence supporting AORN's Guidelines for the Prevention of Unintentionally Retained Surgical Items


Gap Analysis Tool

The Gap Analysis Tool quickly assesses current RSI Prevention practices in your ORs. Use the results of the gap analysis to determine your need for additional policies and/or equipment.


Product Evaluation of Adjunct Technology Form

Start the product evaluation process by using the Product Evaluation of Adjunct Technology Form. This is the process of selecting adjunct technology which gives health care organizations a systematic way to determine and document which devices will best meet their needs.


RSI Prevention Policy & Procedure Template

Use our template to provide guidance to perioperative personnel for preventing retained surgical items (RSIs) during operative or other invasive procedures. The expected outcome is that the patient is free from unintended retained foreign objects. You may utilize the template provided or develop your own based on the needs of your facility.


Intraprofessional 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

The Facility Coordinator or designated perioperative staff member will conduct a three-month audit of RSI Prevention compliance wherever a surgical count is indicated.

After the audit is complete, please follow the link within the Excel document to submit the final audit score. This will notify AORN that you are ready to be considered for the CoE: RSI Prevention award.

Please be sure to save the Excel document audit form for your facility records.


Competency Verification Tool

For your perioperative team, use the Competency Verification Tool for education and competency verification activities related to RSI Prevention. This step is optional.


Additional Educational Resources

The resources below are available to support your team in your journey to preventing unintentionally retained surgical items.


Marketing Tools

Download and print the following tools to promote the program and your team’s goals to prevent RSIs!

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.

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.

Complimentary Consultation

If you need additional assistance with securing leadership support, developing the business case and/or performing a gap analysis, contact Stryker to schedule a complimentary consultation. AORN does not endorse or support any manufacturer’s product.

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

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