AORNs Recommended Practices for Traffic Patterns in the Perioperative Practice Setting is Open for Review Through Nov. 1, 2005

DENVER The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) has opened its proposed Recommended Practice for Traffic Patterns in the Perioperative Setting to review and public comment. The AORN Recommended Practices Committee says it is interested in receiving comments from members and others.

These recommended practices are intended as achievable recommendations representing what is believed to be an optimal level of practice. Policies and procedures will reflect variations in practice settings and/or clinical situations that determine the degree to which the recommended practices can be implemented.

AORN recognizes the numerous settings in which perioperative nurses practice. These recommended practices are intended as guidelines adaptable to various practice settings. These practice settings include traditional operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, physicians offices, cardiac catheterization suites, endoscopy suites, radiology departments, emergency departments, and all other areas where operative and other invasive procedures may be performed.

These recommended practices provide guidance for establishing traffic patterns in perioperative practice areas. Traffic control patterns suggest movement into and out of the surgical suite as well as movement within the suite. Clearly defined and enforced traffic control practices protect personnel, patients, supplies, and equipment from potential sources of cross-contamination, protect the privacy of patients, and provide security. The building design of the surgical suite often predetermines traffic patterns. Implementation of all elements of these recommended practices may not be feasible within every facility because of the physical limitations of the setting.

To view the recommended practices, go to: http://www.aorn.org/proposed/traffic.htm