156 - Smoke Evacuation: A Multidisciplinary Approach to OR Readiness

Description: Description of team
In May 2024, Minnesota passed legislation requiring surgical smoke evacuation systems effective January 1, 2025. Our organization launched a multidisciplinary effort to ensure compliance across the perioperative environment. Key team members, including frontline staff, surgical leadership, accreditation, legal & safety, supply chain, operations, and practice chairs, were engaged early to align goals and direction.

Preparation & Planning
Surgical leadership, operations, and facilities met weekly to provide consistent communication with key team members and allow for consistent feedback loops.

Assessment
A multidisciplinary team assessed compliance, facilitated change management, reviewed supply and equipment options, and identified education needs.

Implementation
To prepare frontline teams, unit leaders were given tools and calls to action. Weekly engagement with vendors and resource RNs focused on intraoperative education, real-time rounding feedback, and support sessions. Education was delivered during morning and evening reports, and unit updates ensured consistent messaging. Smoke evacuation product fairs introduced equipment and gathered user preferences. "Smokeless cautery carts," including pencils and smoke evacuation devices, were deployed to units for mobile clinical access. Resource RNs conducted intentional rounding in over 100 ORs to identify equipment availability and gaps. Education was supported by a comprehensive smoke evacuation resource document and inclusion in a multidisciplinary meeting. A QR code survey streamlined surgeon preference card updates, though in-person feedback remained preferred. Preference cards were revised to include compliant smoke evacuation equipment and supplies, ensuring accuracy through collaboration with subject matter experts.

Outcome
Through proactive planning, tea member engagement, and structured communication, our organization achieved operational readiness by the January 2025 deadline. All necessary supplies and updated preference cards were in place. Ongoing rounding and targeted support are essential to maintain adherence. This approach offers a replicable model for institutions preparing for similar implementations.

Implications for Perioperative Nursing
The legislative mandate prompted a multidisciplinary response significantly impacting perioperative nursing. Nurses played a vital role assessing equipment needs, participating in education, and providing real-time feedback through rounding and product fairs, ensuring device availability and proper use. Their work updating surgeon preference cards and monitoring adherence supported compliance and safety. Continuous communication, education, and engagement reinforced frontline staff readiness. This comprehensive approach highlights perioperative nurses' key role in change management, operational readiness, and sustaining long-term compliance with evolving surgical safety standards.