A team approach to OR environmental issues

At Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, FL, an effective partnership between Materials Management and the Operating Room was begun by building consensus around a shared concern--minimizing the Operating Room's impact on the environment. To accurately evaluate cost-in-use issues, Materials Management and the OR needed a better understanding of each other's processes, procedures and decision-making criteria. Materials Management observed surgical procedures to understand product requirements, and OR personnel were given financial information on such matters as group purchasing and disposal costs. After considering all the data, the MM/OR team decided to continue using single-use polypropylene gowns rather than switch to reusable gowns. Success in this endeavor led the team to institute a disposable wrap recycling program. Lasting benefits of the collaboration include higher cost consciousness among clinicians, open communications, greater supplier accountability for cradle-to-grave cost estimates and team building.