AHN Jefferson Hospital Recognized by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses for Commitment to Smoke-Free Surgical Environments

PITTSBURGH – The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), representing more than 200,000 operating room nurses across the country, has named Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Jefferson Hospital as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation. This designation recognizes the hospital for its commitment to making the evacuation of surgical smoke a top priority for the benefit of its patients, caregivers and staff.

Surgical smoke is a hazardous byproduct of any surgical procedure involving a laser, electrosurgery unit, ultrasonic device or powered surgical instrument such as a bone saw. It is produced when heat is applied to tissue, releasing up to 150 hazardous chemicals into the air. One study suggests the average daily impact of surgical smoke produced in an operating room is equivalent to smoke produced from 27-30 cigarettes.  

“We’re extremely proud to be among the first hospitals in the Network, as well as the western Pennsylvania region, to achieve a smoke-free surgical environment,” said Joy Peters, chief nursing officer at AHN Jefferson Hospital. “Today’s announcement is a testament to our exceptional clinicians and their ongoing dedication to the health, safety and wellness to not only their patients, but fellow caregivers. By eliminating smoke from the operating room, we are creating a cleaner, more efficient and ultimately safer space for all.”

Risks of surgical smoke in operating rooms were first recognized by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the late 90s. As research has progressed over the last two decades, health systems are taking steps to remove smoke from operating rooms for the benefit of patients and staff.

To date, 15 states have passed legislation prompting hospitals and health systems to implement smoke evacuation processes. While no such legislation has been passed in Pennsylvania to date, AHN launched an initiative last year to ensure smoke-free environments in its operating rooms across the network. These efforts have included purchasing and utilizing smoke evacuation pencils, removing the surgical plume that is released when cauterizing tissue.

Jefferson Hospital is the first AHN hospital to achieve this designation from AORN and received their ‘Go Clear™ Award’ for having successfully completed its comprehensive, evidence-based program including the adoption of technologies to ensure a surgical smoke-free environment.

“We are proud of our outstanding surgical teams at Jefferson Hospital for being the first in our network to earn this certification,” says Ann Miller-Burke, DNP, RN, CPPS, vice president of perioperative services at AHN. “They are leading our larger effort to become a smoke-free health system, working ahead of the curve here in Pennsylvania. This designation is a testament to AHN’s commitment to the health and safety of both its patients and employees.”

Operating rooms across AHN’s footprint are expected to be smoke-free by the end of the year, Miller-Burke added.

“Surgical smoke occurs every day in operating rooms and poses health risks to those exposed to it. AORN created this program so that every facility can understand the urgency and take steps to protect the health and safety of patients, nurses, doctors and support staff,” said AORN CEO & Executive Director Linda Groah, MSN, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC, FAAN. “This Center of Excellence for Surgical Safety designation shows the community that the surgical teams at Jefferson Hospital are committed to providing high-quality care.”

AHN Jefferson Hospital was also recently recognized by AORN as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Prevention of Retained Surgical Items (RSI). To learn more about Jefferson Hospital’s services and specialties, visit www.ahn.org/locations/hospitals/jefferson.

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About AORN

AORN represents the interests of more than 200,000 perioperative nurses by providing evidence-based research, nursing education, standards, and practice resources to enable optimal outcomes for patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures. www.aorn.org