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Environmental Sustainability in the Orthopaedic Operating Room
Jeremy T Smith1, Lorraine A T Boakye, Marco L Ferrone
1From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Smith, Boakye, and Ferrone), and the Department of Internal Medicine (Furie), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA.
Climate change impacts global health. This review examines the orthopaedic operating room's environmental footprint and promotes sustainable practices for patient safety and cost savings.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Public health
- Orthopaedic surgery
Background:
- Climate change poses a significant global health threat due to rising temperatures and climate variability.
- Human activities, including those in the orthopaedic operating room (OR), contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on the environmental impact of orthopaedic ORs.
- It explores strategies for enhancing environmental sustainability within the OR setting.
Key Points:
- The orthopaedic OR contributes to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions.
- Implementing sustainable practices in the OR can enhance patient safety and reduce costs.
- Orthopaedic surgeons can lead initiatives for environmental sustainability.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the environmental impact of the orthopaedic OR is crucial for mitigating climate change.
- A patient-centered approach focusing on safety and cost-effectiveness is essential for adopting sustainable OR practices.
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