Course Code: REL-ACU-0-REMEOR
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Explain how effective communication reduces medical errors and contributes to the safe transfer of patient care information.
Discuss evidence-based recommendations from key organizations that support improvements in perioperative safety.
Describe the principles of a just culture and the ten-step process for creating a culture of safety in the OR.
Outline:
Section 1: Surgical Checklists and Site Marking
A Lesson in Patient Safety
Scheduled for Surgery
Reducing Preventable Harm
Safety Checklists
WHO’s Surgical Safety Checklist
Society of Thoracic Surgeons Checklist
AORN’s Checklist
Preoperative Verification and Site Marking
Ms. Martin’s's Surgery: Preoperative Assessment and Verification
Timeouts
Key Components of the Timeout Process
Ms. Martin’s Surgery: Timeout for Safety
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Team Communication
Briefings and Debriefings
Preoperative Briefings: Aligning the Team
Postoperative Debriefings: Learning and Improving
Ms. Martin’s Surgery Postoperative Success and Reflection
Handoff Communication
Using a Standardized Handoff Process
Strengthening Team Communication for Safer Surgery
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Creating a Culture of Safety
Standards of Practice
AST’s Standards of Practice
AORN’s Standards of Practice
Commitment to Culture Change
The Impact of Disruptive Behavior
Creating a Just Culture in the OR
Benefits of a Just Culture
Attributes of a Safe Culture
Ten Steps to Establish a Culture of Patient Safety in the OR
A Routine Case With Unexpected Challenges
Reflection
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
References
Instructor: Rhiannon Winsor, Ed.D., MBA, CST, CRCST
Dr. Rhiannon Winsor is a subject matter expert in the field of surgical technology and adult education. She has an associate degree in Surgical Technology, a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing, a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), and a doctorate in Education with an emphasis on adult teaching and learning. She is a certified surgical technologist (CST) and a certified registered central sterile technician (CRCST). She has 27 years of experience in the field of surgical technology, during which 13 of those years have been spent teaching and managing surgical technology programs. She has working knowledge in the areas of orthopedics, general, obstetrics, gynecology, plastics, podiatry, sports medicine, neurology, genitourinary, peripheral vascular, ENT, maxillofacial, and laparoscopic surgery. She has also collaborated with several organizations to develop training programs in surgical technology, communication, compliance, cultural competency, medical terminology, and care management.
Subject Matter Expert: Brandy Verton, BSN, RN, CNOR
Brandy is a certified perioperative nurse with a background in both scrub and circulator roles across a variety of surgical specialties. She earned her BSN with summa cum laude honors from Capella University and has served as a Surgical Services Clinical Educator and Periop 101 instructor. Her early clinical experience on a postoperative and medical-surgical overflow unit shaped her commitment to patient-centered care and team collaboration. Throughout her career, she has contributed to hospital committees and process improvement efforts focused on safety, education, and quality outcomes. Brandy is passionate about creating practical, real-world education that helps clinicians feel supported in their work, build confidence in their skills, and continue delivering safe, effective care.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Nursing Personnel; Surgical Personnel; in the following settings: Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)/Outpatient Surgical Centers, Hospitals: Acute, Hospitals: Critical Access (CAHs).
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All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.