Fluorescent Audits and Team Training Boost OR Cleanliness and Patient Safety

Paulo J. M. Brois, DVM, MSN, RN; Luisa M. P. Soares, RN; and Teresa A. Santos, RN, at #AORN2025

At the 2025 AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo in Boston, Massachusetts, a Portuguese team, Paulo J. M. Brois, DVM, MSN, RN; Luisa M. P. Soares, RN; and Teresa A. Santos, RN, from the Baixo Alentejo Local Health Unit presented a transformative quality improvement initiative focused on enhancing operating room (OR) cleanliness. The poster was titled “Operating Room Cleaning and Disinfection: Education and Audit Program.”

Spearheaded by infection prevention and control (IPC) link nurses and health care technicians (HCTs), the project aimed to strengthen cleaning practices through education, auditing, and feedback.

The project began with a meticulous preparation phase. Experienced OR and IPC nurses collaborated to review existing protocols, identify deficiencies, and craft a structured training program tailored to the needs of HCTs. This included both theoretical instruction and hands-on practice. The project’s timeline ensured seamless integration with ongoing OR operations, avoiding disruption to patient care.

To establish a baseline, fluorescent markers were applied to high-touch surfaces in the OR before cleaning. After the usual cleaning routines, UV light was used to detect residual markers. The findings revealed specific areas that were routinely overlooked, providing critical data to shape the improvement strategy.

With this information, the implementation phase commenced. IPC link nurses conducted training sessions that emphasized the importance of meticulous cleaning and introduced the use of fluorescent markers and UV light as auditing tools. These training sessions empowered HCTs with both the knowledge and tools needed to improve cleaning practices. Regular audits followed, with nurses providing real-time feedback on performance—celebrating successes and guiding improvements where needed.

Outcomes were gauged through post-training audits. Compared to the baseline, missed areas were markedly reduced, reflecting improved adherence to cleaning protocols. The initiative not only elevated the physical cleanliness of the OR but also reinforced staff accountability and awareness.

The implications for perioperative nursing are profound. The project reaffirms the critical role of IPC link nurses in training, mentoring, and leading infection prevention strategies. It fosters a collaborative dynamic between nurses and HCTs, promoting shared responsibility for patient safety. Furthermore, it highlights how focused education and ongoing evaluation can cultivate a culture of excellence and vigilance.