The AORN Go Clear Award Program recognizes facilities working to eliminate surgical smoke.

Abstract

As highlighted in this month’s lead feature article, surgical smoke is hazardous for perioperative personnel and patients and can have respiratory, chemical, biological (e.g., blood, bacteria), carcinogenic, mutagenic, and cytotoxic effects. It is essential that health care facility leaders implement methods to reduce the exposure of personnel and patients to surgical smoke. AORN’s Go Clear Award Program provides a comprehensive approach to establishing an OR environment free of surgical smoke and then recognizes those that complete the program for their commitment to safety.1, 2 After three months of audits, program participants can submit the compliance data for their facilities to be considered for an award. After three years, they can apply for recertification; requirements include that all staff members retake the posttest, newly hired staff members complete the education modules, and facility leaders perform three months of compliance auditing.3 Three award designations exist: gold, silver, and bronze.1, 2 The award criteria are based on facilities’ education performance, compliance with smoke evacuation, and availability of the correct OR equipment.1 All award recipients receive a plaque, are listed on the AORN website, are recognized at the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo, and receive access to the Go Clear Award media kit that can be used to promote their commitment to having a smoke-free environment.1 As of February 2020, 79 teams have completed the Go Clear Award Program and received an award. A link to register for the program can be found on the AORN website at https://www.aorn.org/goclear. Be sure to read this month’s lead feature article to learn about best practices for protecting perioperative personnel and patients from surgical smoke. Editor’s note : Go Clear Award is a trademark of AORN, Inc, Denver, CO.