Resources

ACORN generic perioperative count record

The ACORN generic perioperative count record is designed to be adapted by health service organisations and used to document the count process during surgical procedures.  The count record will document:

1. the number of accountable items used during the procedure
2. the staff involved
3. the count outcomes, including any incorrect count.

The count record is to be used in conjunction with health service organisation's approved perioperative documentation (electronic and non-electronic) that captures other data relating to the surgical procedure.  This includes, but is not limited to:

• perioperative care pathways
• consent for operation
• utilisation data (times, rooms, etc.)
• medication charts
• IV therapy prescription
• pain management prescription (epidural, PCA)
• fluid balance charts
• tray lists. 

All terminology used within the ACORN generic perioperative count record is consistent with ACORN standard 'Management of accountable items used during surgery and procedures'.

NB: The number and dimensions of rows and columns in the document can be changed for local use depending on case type and volume of use.

Health service organisations should refer to ACORN standard 'Management of accountable items used during surgery and procedures' when developing and using the perioperative count record based on this generic template.

Members can download a copy of the ACORN generic perioperative count record from the Members hangout section.