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Spatial Multiobjective Optimization of Agricultural Conservation Practices using a SWAT Model and an Evolutionary Algorithm

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Operation clean up: A model for eco-leadership and sustainability implementation.

Jessica F Davies^1,2, Richard Seglenieks^2,3, Rose Cameron⁴

¹Department of Anaesthesia, 3805Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia.

Anaesthesia and Intensive Care

|February 1, 2023

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Trainee-led audits and education through Operation Clean Up reduced single-use pad use and encouraged desflurane refusal in anaesthesia. This initiative empowers trainees as eco-leaders for sustainable healthcare practices.

Keywords:

Climate change absorbent underpads blueys desflurane drug trays eco-leadership environment implementation science sustainability

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Healthcare Sustainability
Medical Education

Background:

Healthcare services significantly contribute to environmental degradation.
Sustainable practices in anaesthesia are crucial for mitigating this impact.
The Trainee-led Research and Audit in Anaesthesia for Sustainable Healthcare (TRA2SH) network addresses this challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the effectiveness of trainee-led audits and education on sustainability initiatives in anaesthesia.
To describe the goals, achievements, and data from the first two years of the Operation Clean Up initiative.
To assess the impact of Operation Clean Up on reducing waste and emissions in anaesthetic practice.

Main Methods:

Trainee-led audits and educational sessions were conducted nationally on a designated day (Operation Clean Up).
Environmental themes were selected based on life cycle analyses and observational studies.
Data on the use of specific items (e.g., absorbent pads, volatile anaesthetics) and waste streams were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Main Results:

Operation Clean Up 2020 saw a reduction in the use of single-use absorbent pads ('blueys') from 37 to 34 per ten surgical encounters.
Operation Clean Up 2021 focused on reducing desflurane use, bluey consumption, and improving waste management.
Baseline data for OCU 2021 indicated a median bluey use of 31 per ten surgical encounters, with desflurane comprising 70% of volatile emissions.
Two departments removed desflurane from their formulary post-OCU 2021, demonstrating significant impact.

Conclusions:

Operation Clean Up provides a practical, trainee-driven model for implementing and engaging with sustainability initiatives in healthcare.
Trainee-led audits and education are effective in promoting sustainable anaesthesia practices.
The initiative successfully reduced the environmental footprint of participating anaesthesia departments.