Strategies to Improve Compliance With Smoke Safety

Surgical smoke generated by energy-based devices is a recognized occupational hazard in ORs, containing toxic gases, particulate matter, and potentially viable cells. Exposure can lead to negative consequences. Research shows perioperative nurses are reporting twice the incidence of respiratory problems as compared to the general population. Despite increasing evidence of harm, evacuation of surgical smoke remains inconsistent across health care settings. Barriers to compliance include the lack of formal education on smoke hazards and evacuation equipment. Effective strategies to improve compliance with evacuation guidelines include conducting a gap analysis, creating and implementing an intervention plan, education and training on evacuation, and ensuring leadership support and participation. Other considerations to compliance involve the organizational culture, engaging perioperative nurses in changing practices, promoting legislation on smoke evacuation, and applying budgetary efficiencies. Addressing surgical smoke through evidence-based research and sustained compliance is essential to protecting the health and safety of perioperative personnel.