Abstract: Levada, Lilliana A few months ago, in May 2016 at our recent conference in Hobart, I had the satisfaction of presenting about leading the review process for several ACORN standards including the Post Anaesthesia Car Unit (PACU) nurse role document.
Abstract: Foran, Paula The month of May saw ACORN hold its biennial national conference in Hobart. While attendees were soaking up the wonderful education, I was busily searching for expert presenters for our education series of webinars.
Abstract: Melville, Ruth The feedback from IFPN and other international delegates regarding the ACORN conference in Hobart was very positive and has motivated many to return again in 2018 for the conference in Adelaide.
Abstract: Williams, Carollyn I am very proud to be delivering the eighth Judith Cornell Oration and join the group of distinguished nurses who have gone before me. I thank the committee of the Victorian Perioperative Nurses Group (VPNG) for believing me worthy of the task and the ACORN board for offering me the honour.
Abstract: Smith, Catherine; Hains, Toni; Mannion, Natasha The Ramsay Health Care facility, Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital (SCUPH), opened on the 4th of November 2013. The facility has six operating theatres offering surgical services in orthopaedics; ear, nose and throat; general; urology; gynaecology and gastroenterology. The private hospital will be co-located on the site of the pending public hospital, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, on the Kawana Health Campus.
Abstract: Sutherland-Fraser, Sally A critical shortage of trained medical officers during World War 1 resulted in nurse volunteers being trained in anaesthetics to support the surgical teams. Whilst the role has spread globally from its early origins in America it has taken almost a century for Australian perioperative nurses once again to extend their scope of practice in anaesthesia with the role of 'nurse sedationist'.
Abstract: Aleman-Ortega, Heidi; Lee, Rebecca; Shambo, Lyda; Czinn, Edward Epidural or spinal anaesthesia-related infections cause serious and devastating morbidity and mortality. The possible infectious complications of neuraxial anaesthesia have become better understood in the past ten years. We assessed information from published case series, studies, randomised controlled trials and retrospective cohort studies to determine the rate of neuraxial infection and to evaluate iatrogenic causes of infection. The use of sterile gowning appears to be a factor associated with the decreased infection rates noted in some studies. A review of the literature demonstrated that personnel in interdisciplinary specialties use gowns for invasive procedures to prevent infection, and national and international multidisciplinary health care professionals appear to be increasing their use of sterile gowning to prevent infections. We undertook this literature review to explore the incidence of neuraxial infection, provide additional insight into multidisciplinary standards and evaluate whether the use of sterile gowns while performing neuraxial anaesthesia decreases infection rates.
Abstract: Osborne, Sonya Perioperative nursing practice is subject to a number of influences. Some of the significant influences include: the changing shape of Australia's patient and workforce demographics, the shifting boundaries of the environment where the patient undergoes surgical or invasive procedures, innovations in surgical technique and advances in surgical technology. Influences on our practice are constant despite the changing nature of those influences. This requires a constant response to duty of care on our part. The discourse around the need for quality and safety is centred on research and evidence-based practice.
Abstract: Foran, Paula We have been fortunate enough to commence a new stream of webinars where ACORN have joined with some of our trade partners to provide another dimension of education for you, our members. We will continue our Standards webinars and Education webinars but they are now joined by our Trade Partner webinars. The first of these webinars was with one of our oldest trade partners Ansell, a family name in operating suites in Australia. We thank Ansell most sincerely for being the 'first cab off the rank', sponsoring a webinar 'Understanding occupational latex and chemical allergies'. I'm sure you will join me in looking forward to enjoying this type of webinar every few months.
Abstract: Davies, Menna Next time you open an instrument tray or unwrap a sterilised item, consider the process the item has been through to arrive in the operating theatre.
Abstract: Stankiewicz, Monica; Wyland, Michele The use of antiseptics in theatre is mainstay treatment in reducing cutaneous bioburden and, in turn, preventing surgical site infection and sepsis. Typically, aqueous betadine and chlorhexidine in alcohol are preferred. Aqueous betadine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic with a quick kill rate but is deactivated by organic material on the patient's skin. More effective than aqueous betadine is chlorhexidine gluconate - it is also a broad-spectrum antiseptic but is not deactivated by organic compounds on the patient's skin.
Abstract: Tan, Eunice; Russell, Kylie Every year thousands of health care professionals worldwide are exposed to surgical smoke. There is evidence that this smoke consists of toxic gases, pathogens and particulate matter that is a hazard for patients and the perioperative team. Past research indicates that perioperative staff inconsistently comply with smoke evacuation recommendations. The aim of this study was to identify, review and discuss the issues related to surgical plume and its implications for patients and perioperative staff. The findings of this review relate to: surgical smoke content, its risks to the health of the perioperative staff, preventative measures, infection control measures, compliance with smoke evacuation systems, staff knowledge and barriers to implementing smoke evacuation practices. Of particular importance, the literature indicated that strong support from management and the implementation of regular staff education could improve practice for the management of surgical plume in the operating theatre.
Abstract: Watson, Donna S Henrik Kehlet, MD, PhD, a former professor of perioperative therapy and head of the Section for Surgical Pathophysiology at the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark, introduced concepts for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs in the mid-1990s. Dr Kehlet stated, 'the key question in our understanding of the pathogenesis of postoperative morbidity is ... related to the pathophysiological role of the various components of the surgical stress response and whether or not a modification of such responses may improve surgical outcomes'. Dr Kehlet challenged traditional standards of care for the patient undergoing colorectal surgery to better understand why a patient could have an unexpected poor outcome when surgery was uneventful and technically proficient. Dr Kehlet shifted patient care management from traditional care ('the way we have always done it') to assessing and modifying various interventions during the perioperative period with the intent of improving patient outcomes. The initial ERAS protocol introduced for patients undergoing colorectal surgery has been adopted in other surgical specialties and successfully implemented in Europe for more than a decade.
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